About Productive Aging and Work

Overview

Aging is a process experienced by all workers. For many older adults, work provides economic security and social interaction, and improves quality of life.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021 nearly one in four American workers was age 55 or older. Labor force participation rates for older workers are projected to increase through 2030. Participation rates for workers of other age groups are projected to remain relatively level or decline. It is important to support and protect the health and safety of workers, especially those of advanced age.

Benefits of an aging workforce

Aging workers may provide the following benefits to their workplaces:

• Institutional knowledge
• Applicable experience
• Low levels of stress on the job
• Get along well with their coworkers
• Cautious on the job

Health, safety, and aging

Aging affects a variety of health conditions and outcomes, including chronic conditions and the likelihood of workplace injury.

Chronic conditions and aging

More than 75% of all workers have at least one chronic condition. The two most common health conditions affecting older workers are arthritis and hypertension. Nearly half of workers over age 55 experience at least one of these conditions.

Since many older workers experience chronic conditions, they may be absent from work. On the other hand, there may be an increase in "presenteeism." Presenteeism is when workers show up to work sick.

Safety and aging

Overall, older workers tend to experience fewer workplace injuries than their younger colleagues. This difference may be due to their experience or because they are more careful and aware of their physical limitations.

Older workers often require more time to heal from workplace injuries. It is important for employers to have a well-planned return to work program.

Older workers experience a higher rate of workplace fatalities. Employers need to be mindful of how best to adapt the conditions of work to protect workers. They should also explore opportunities for preventative programs that can maintain or build the health of employees through their working life.

Recommendations

How to create an age-friendly workplace

Many age-friendly work practices benefit workers of all ages. Managers can create age-friendly workplaces by:

• Prioritizing workplace flexibility and matching tasks to abilities.
  • Give workers a say in their schedule and work tasks.
  • Use self-paced work, rest breaks, and less repetitive tasks.
  • Provide reasonable accommodations after illness or injury.
  • Avoid prolonged, sedentary work.
• Managing hazards like noise, slip/trip hazards, and physical hazards.
• Providing and designing ergonomic-friendly work environments.
• Providing health promotion and lifestyle interventions.
• Investing in training and building worker skills and competencies.
  • Help older employees learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Providing age-inclusive management training for supervisors.