The workplace has seen a number of changes over the years—everything from the industrial revolution to the impact of technology. Now,
it seems that the workforce is also changing the way we work, with more older workers on the job. As more people choose to remain in the
workforce longer, good job design and workplace accommodations for the older worker will be essential.
Canada's baby boomers are leading this societal change. A federal government report on the Challenges
of an Aging Workforce shows that while more baby boomers are retiring earlier than ever, many others keep working past the age of 65.
Age 65 is no longer the retirement norm
Interestingly, the normal retirement age of 65 has
only been in place in Canada since about 1951. The age at which Canadians actually retire depends on their specific circumstances and
options. Some people choose to retire much earlier, while others find themselves having to retire at age 65. Still others choose to retire
after age 65 or plan never to retire.
All of these changes mean just that: things are changing and everyone has a different goal for the end of his or her working life. It
is clear that having a choice is key.
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How work can be good for our health
Work can positively affect our health. Not only does it provide an income, but also
gives us a sense of identity and purpose, social contacts and opportunities for personal growth, including:
- Social support networks - help from friends and co-workers. The more connections people have, the better their health.
- Education - on the job training as well as health promotion programs that may be present at work (including healthy eating, or smoking
cessation).
- Access to other health services - such as medical or drug plans.
The type of work we do can also affect our health. Having control over our work,
a supportive work environment and reasonable work demands can make us happier—and healthier.
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Five common myths about older workers—and what we can change
Most people don't like to admit that they are getting older. While there is no set age in the research on the effects of an aging
population on the workforce, studies generally focus on workers older than age 45 or 55. And while research in this field is growing,
there are still a number of myths about what happens to people as they age, and how that affects the workplace.
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Myth # 1: Older workers just aren't up to the physical demands of the job.
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Reality: Older workers can do most of the same jobs that they've always done.
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A number of physical changes do happen as we age. However, not all of these changes have a significant impact on the way we work. Let's
look as some of these changes in more detail.
Strength
In general, we lose about 15 to 20% of our strength between the ages of 20 and 60. But physical ability varies between people at any
age. Heavy work may be a concern for older people with decreased physical ability, but most modern jobs do not require people to work
anywhere close to their maximum physical ability.
Posture and balance
As we age, it becomes more difficult to maintain good posture and balance. Work that requires precise adjustments, heavy lifting or tasks
on slippery or unstable surfaces (like gravel or sand) will be more difficult. Safe footwear, appropriate or clean floor surfaces, and good
handrails or grips can help. To avoid heavy lifting, use lifting mechanisms, or reduce the weight of the load. (That's good advice for
people of all ages.)
Sleep regulation
Aging affects both the length and quality of our sleep. It's harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. Fatigue has serious implications for
safety and productivity. If employees are working a lot of extended days or over-time, they may need more time between shifts to get enough
rest.
Healthy eating can help older workers to sleep better and stay alert. Workplaces can offer healthy
snacks, and beverages without caffeine.
Vision
Most people are aware of the day when their arms are suddenly not long enough to hold the menu at a readable distance. Papers are read at
a distance of about 30 cm (one foot) whereas computers sit 60-90 cm away (two to-three feet). This difference means that some people may
need reading glasses and different glasses to wear when working on the computer.
Light is also an important concern for older eyes, something which can be helped with proper
lighting. Remember that good lighting does not always mean more or brighter. Task lights or spot lights may be needed to help keep glare
at a minimum.
Hearing
As we age, it becomes harder to hear higher frequencies. It can also become difficult to hear one voice in a noisy environment. For
example, it may be harder to hear individual voices during a group meeting.
Employers can try to keep general noise as low as possible, minimize background noises, and supplement meeting instructions with written
materials where possible. Smaller, round tables can be used for meetings to allow everyone to face each other—also making it easier to
hear.
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Myth # 2: Older workers are just coasting to retirement.
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Reality: Older workers are just as productive as their younger co-workers.
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Studies have not found a clear connection between age and productivity.1 The main reasons found for poor productivity are
issues that are common to workers of any age—lack of recognition, high job stress, and lack of support. Studies do show that older
workers may work a bit slower, or make decisions less quickly… but their work tends to be more accurate and their decisions more correct
than the work of their younger, speedier co-workers.2
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Myth # 3: Older workers get hurt more often, and cost more when they do get hurt.
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Reality: Older workers actually have fewer accidents3 than younger workers.
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The injuries of older workers are more often related to accumulation over time of overuse and repetitive strain (especially back injuries),
while younger workers tend to have more cuts, burns and injuries to the eyes and hands. Injury prevention programs aimed at reducing
repetitive strains, or ways to reduce physical demands are essential.
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Myth # 4: Older workers cannot or do not want to learn new skills.
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Reality: Older people are still learning... just differently.
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People who have had training and education throughout their lives will continue to enjoy learning as
they age. But, older people do learn a little differently; new skills are usually based on what they already know or on their past
experiences with training or education.
Also, being a veteran at work can give people an edge—they know what to expect and have likely developed their own tricks or habits
that help them stay productive.
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Myth # 5: It's not worth investing in older workers.
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Reality: Older workers are valuable assets to their organizations.
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In general, older workers tend to have a lower turnover rates, and have positive work values.4 Incentives to continue working may include
a change in approach to work. Offering flextime, part-time work, or phased-in retirement may help some people. All will benefit from
workplace health and wellness programs aimed at helping employees stay healthier.
Aging workers in Canada are here to stay. As we debunk the myths, we realize that age is, in fact, a poor predictor of ability. Aging
workers are not only productive, but they bring an invaluable wealth of experience and wisdom to our workplaces. The adjustments we make to
accommodate an older workforce will help to create a healthier and safer working environment for everyone.
1 WEGMAN, D.H. Older Workers in: Levy, B.S. and D.H Wegman, editors , Occupational Health: Recognizing and Preventing Work-Related Disease and Injury. 4th Edition, Philiadelphia. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins; pp. 701-714.
2 CHAN, G., V. TAN AND D. KOH. Ageing and Fitness to work. Occupational Medicine. 2000 Sep; 50(7):483-91.
3 ASSOCIATION OF WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARDS OF CANADA. Work Injuries and Diseases: National Work Injuries Statistics Program, Canada 1998-2000. Mississauga: 2001.
4 CHAN, G., V. TAN AND D. KOH. Op. cit. 483-91.
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This article was prepared by the 
