Dealing with an Aging Workforce

Physical changes

Response

Loss of strength. Most people lose 15 -20% of their strength between the ages of 20-60.

Most jobs seldom demand all of a person’s strength; however, older workers might be working closer to capacity than younger ones. Monitor all workers in physical jobs for fatigue and repetitive strain injuries.

Smaller range of motion; loss of flexibility

This can cause difficulties in reaching or bending, which could lead to sprains/strains in certain situations. Encourage workers in physical jobs to stretch before and after their shifts.

Less regulation of posture and balance

Falls and other accidents due to loss of balance occur more frequently as we age. Avoid slippery or uneven surfaces in work areas. Physically active individuals are less likely to lose their balance than sedentary ones.

Increased sleep problems

Older workers take longer to recuperate after night shifts or extended workdays; avoid overscheduling and monitor all shift and night workers for fatigue.

Reduced vision

Good lighting improves safety for workers of all ages, but is particularly important for older workers. Older workers might need larger screens and/or prescription glasses.

Hearing loss

Hearing loss usually occurs for higher pitched sounds first. In a noisy environment, all workers benefit from hearing protection.

Reduced blood flow and tactile response to heat and cold.

Some older workers may have less tolerance for extremes of heat and cold; others might not notice the physical strains of excessively hot or cold environments. Require any workers exposed to temperature extremes to take frequent breaks.

Reduced nervous system response

Slower reaction time means older workers are less able to prevent falls, drops and other accidents. Healthy, physically active individuals are less likely to suffer noticeable loss in reaction time.

Slower mental processing of information; reduced ability to "multitask."

Mental aging varies greatly by individual; verbal skills usually increase with age. And life experience makes older workers valuable team players. However, it can take some older workers longer to learn new information or skills. When training, relate new information or procedures to information or situations they already know. If an older worker is having problems staying focused, reduce extraneous stimuli and distractions.