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Media Releases
Aging Positively on the Job
Columbia, Mo. (September 19, 2006) Our nation's labor force aged 55 and over is growing four times faster than their younger counterparts. By 2015, that number is expected to reach 30 million, or one fifth of the workforce. As the number grows, so do concerns about how well older workers can fare on the job.
Older workers face their share of age-related physiological challenges. The risk of injury during a physical task is raised due to a decrease in flexibility and muscle strength. And a decline in balance control may also put them at higher risk of falls.
But this is not the whole picture, says Diana Baldwin, occupational therapist at the University of Missouri-Columbia and researcher for the Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (MARRTC). Older workers make fewer mistakes. They may also face fewer job-related injuries and miss fewer days. And an older worker's wisdom and expertise compensates for the decline in short-term memory or their ability to multitask.
Baldwin says that older workers can successfully manage these age-related challenges. By making a few minor changes, an older worker can increase safety, comfort and remain on-the-job longer as a healthy and productive employee. The rule of thumb, suggests Baldwin, is to "Establish a good posture and maintain healthful work habits."
"It's important to remember that it is the daily little efforts that put wear and tear on the body," Baldwin emphasizes, "if a worker can eliminate some of the simple things like overreaching and instead bring primary tasks within closer range of the body, they can better handle the bigger efforts with less body stress."
Here are some suggestions on job modifications you may consider to age positively at work.
Set priorities and be flexible. Do the most important work while you have the most energy.
Establish good posture. Adjust chairs, work heights, and positions of the machines or equipments to allow body to be in neutral position - arms at side, elbows flexed 90 degrees or less, wrist neutral, spine and neck supported by natural curve, feet supporting weight without stress on knees.
Arrange work areas in order to cut down unnecessary movements and awkward postures, such as twisting spine, lifting heavy loads, leaning to one side, reaching overhead, standing on one foot, etc.
Be careful not to hold any one position for too long. Stand and stretch for few moments every 30-60 minutes when you sit for long periods.
Increase task rotation. Older workers are more vulnerable to the strain from repetitive motion. If it's not practical to rotate your task periodically, rest your joints by changing positions every 30 minutes.
Reduce excessive force. Avoid or modify job tasks that require prolonged and excessive muscle contractions. When possible, opt for mechanical assists that require less muscle strength.
Maintain a sleep schedule of going to bed at a regular time and getting enough rest to carry you through the next day.
Use memory aids such as calendars, pictures, timers and pop-ups to keep you on schedule.
Improve illumination in work areas. Older workers are more likely to be affected by poor lighting, poor contrast and small print. For printed materials, consider high contrast, double-spacing and large font, and do not print on glossy paper.
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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