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Published on: July 5, 2017
A qualitative study of two older workers' adaptation to physically demanding work
Martha J Sanders1, Jack McCready
1Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT 06518, USA. Martha.sanders@quinnipiac.edu
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|March 18, 2009
Summary
Older blue collar workers adapt physically demanding jobs by self-initiating modifications to reduce job strain. These adaptations support successful aging in the workplace, integrating work and personal life considerations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Gerontology
- Sociology of Work
Background:
- Growing number of older adults in blue-collar roles.
- Limited documentation on age-related performance impacts.
- Need to understand adaptation in physically demanding jobs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine how older blue-collar workers adapt to physically demanding jobs.
- Investigate self-initiated job adaptations due to age-related changes.
- Explore contextual factors influencing work in older adulthood.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative case studies of two maintenance workers (Custodian, Mechanic).
- Utilized Musculoskeletal Body Maps, semi-structured interviews, and work observations.
- Data triangulation over a two-month period.
Main Results:
- Older workers proactively adapted jobs to mitigate age-related and medical impacts.
- Primary adaptations focused on reducing physical job demands.
- Emergent themes: job importance, generational differences, work-life integration.
Conclusions:
- Self-initiated adaptations are key for older workers in physically demanding roles.
- Findings align with successful aging and adaptation theories.
- Recommendations provided for managing and promoting successful aging in the workforce.
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