The conventional wisdom used to be that when you reach 65, you retire. But more and more that’s no longer the case.
Couple that with the fact that the people reaching traditional retirement age today are those in the baby boomer generation, we are looking at the largest older workforce in U.S. history. While some people are continuing to work because they are healthy and want to stay active, others are doing it because financially they have no choice.
But this aging workforce brings problems as well.
Recent studies indicate a correlation between an aging workforce and the number of serious work-related injuries and deaths. One such study in Minnesota showed that at least half of all workplace deaths in that state happened to those ages 55 and older, and those 65 and older die from workplace injuries at far higher rates than other age groups. The study showed that while there were no greater number of injuries in these age groups, the nature of the injuries were often much more severe.
Studies like this one and others around the country indicate two things – concerns about the health and safety of older workers and how unprepared businesses are for an aging workforce.
With the likelihood that we will continue to see a growing number of older workers, the National Center for Productive Aging and Work is urging employers to create aging-friendly workplaces.
But that only helps to a degree. If you are continuing to work as you age, it is imperative that you look at your physical abilities, and make good decisions about the kind of work you are capable of doing.