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Meeting the challenges of an aging workforce
1Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA. masilver@u.washington.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|February 14, 2008
Summary
Older workers face unique workplace challenges and vulnerabilities. Proactive, age-friendly workplace strategies can enhance safety, productivity, and business sustainability for aging employees.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Gerontology
- Labor Economics
Background:
- Increasing numbers of older workers (55+) in the U.S. due to demographic, economic, and labor market shifts.
- While skilled and productive, older employees are also more vulnerable in the workplace.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on aging and work, focusing on demographic trends, age-related changes, and work ability.
- To identify strategies for supporting older workers and mitigating age-related risks in the workplace.
Main Methods:
- Literature review encompassing demographic trends, physical and cognitive changes associated with aging.
- Analysis of safety, performance, work ability, and retirement patterns in older workers.
Main Results:
- Older workers experience more severe, though less frequent, workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Preventive measures anticipating age-related physical and cognitive changes can reduce injury severity and consequences.
Conclusions:
- Employers need to implement age-friendly workplace policies addressing work environment, arrangements, health, and social support.
- Proactive strategies supporting work ability in aging employees can improve safety, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability.
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