Volume 1, Number 1
The average age of the American worker has increased from 34 years in 1984 to 39 years in 2000 and it is estimated that by 2005 the average age will be 41 years old. Currently, 25% of the population is over 50 and in 30 years the 65+ population will double to 66 million people. Clearly the aging population will have an effect on the workplace.
As we age, there are certain changes that the body undergoes. Some examples of these changes are:
On the up side, older workers tend to be more prompt, productive and have less absenteeism than younger workers. It is important to keep these experienced workers in the work force and make good use of their talents and skills.
Aging-related changes have a major effect on our ability to perform tasks and how we do work but can often be accommodated by changes in the workplace. Fortunately, a workstation that is well designed for the aging population benefits all workers. For example, visual problems associated with age can often be accommodated by an increase in lighting. Bifocal wearers may develop musculoskeletal problems from tilting their head back (called neck extension) to see out of the bottom of the lens. Lowering the monitor or using single vision "computer glasses" often corrects this problem.
Loss of strength and flexibility reinforces the need to reduce manual lifting, provide material handling equipment, reduce weights, and ensure that items are stored between knee and shoulder height. Sound familiar? As the body ages, the changes that the body undergoes merely reinforces the need for good ergonomics.
What else can employers do to accommodate the aging workforce?
As workers age, good ergonomics becomes increasingly important. With the increasing age of today’s and tomorrow’s workers, ergonomic interventions are needed to protect all employees, especially older ones, to facilitate job performance.
Based on the presentation: “Ergonomics for the Aging Workforce” by Cindy Roth at the National Ergonomics Conference and Expo. Las Vegas, NV, 2003.
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The information herein is for reference only and State Fund does not warranty its accuracy or fitness for a particular purpose. Any products, references, or links to Web sites are not an endorsement by State Fund or its employees, but serve only as examples to assist you with your workplace design changes. State Fund cannot be held liable or accountable for content on linked Web sites.
