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The Aging Work Force

This presentation explores the growing trend of an aging workforce, its impact on various industries, and the need for adaptation in health and safety programs. Discover the reasons why older workers stay in the workforce and the generational differences that need to be addressed. Learn about injury rates and the economic impact of an aging workforce, and gain insights on how to navigate this transition successfully.

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The Aging Work Force

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  1. The Aging Work Force Bureau of Workers’ Comp PA Training for Health & Safety (PATHS) Education Training Experience PPT-068-01

  2. The Aging Work Force PPT-068-01

  3. The Aging Work Force Present workforceBorn The Veterans 1922-1945 Baby Boomers 1946-1964 Generation X 1965-1979 Generation Y – Millennials 1980-2000 PPT-068-01

  4. Older Workers Defined Defined by ADEA (Age Discrimination in Employment Act) as those 40+ years old. AARP looks at 50+ year olds. Due to retirement eligibility and possible removal from the workforce, some focus on 65+ years. PPT-068-01

  5. Aging Trend “1988: US workers 55+ years numbered about 15 million 2008: Number increased to about 28 million 2018: Number expected to be 40 million, when workers 55+ are expected to constitute nearly 25% of the workforce.”* *Roberto Ceniceros, “Adapting Safety Programs for the Aging Workforce,” Business Insurance, April 8, 2012. PPT-068-01

  6. Aging Work Force “…Proportion of US population aged 65+ will increase from 13% in 2010 to 19.3% by 2030.” “Age-distribution of those 25 to 64 years old already is undergoing a substantial shift toward a greater number of older individuals and a relatively small number of young people entering the labor force.”* *Patrick Purcell, “Older Workers: Employment and Retirement Trends,” Congressional Research Service, September 16, 2009, page 1. PPT-068-01

  7. Growth of Aging Work Force 2006 and 2016 Workers Aged: Increase by: 55 to 64 years 36.5% Between 64 and 74 years 83.4% Older than 75 years 84.3% By 2015, one (1) in every five (5) workers will be a baby boomer* *US Dept of Labor: Aging Workforce-Worknet Occupational Medicine, Dr. James Rochester, 2013 PPT-068-01

  8. Workforce and World Trends Twenty-first century workforce is aging. 1.Global population is aging. 2018. Those 65+ years expected to outnumber children younger than 5 years old. 2012 to 2060. Number of those 65+ years expected to more than double. This would be about 1 in 5 being 65+.* *Ronald R. Leoppke, MD, MPH, et.al., “Advancing Workplace Health Protection and Promotion for an Aging Workforce,” JOEM, Vol 55, Number 5, May 2013 PPT-068-01

  9. Workforce and World Trends 2. Increase in life expectancy 3. Decline in fertility rates, beginning in the 1980’s, resulting in fewer young people entering the workforce. 4. Impact of Baby Boom Generation which began turning 65 in 2011. In 2015, one(1) in five (5) workers will be a baby boomer. PPT-068-01

  10. Why Older Persons Stay in Workforce 1. For healthcare benefits 2. Income due to losses in investments 3. Enjoyment of their job 4. Socialization due to loss of spouse 5. Need for a consistent income above social security AARP survey: 70% of US residents planned to work into retirement. PPT-068-01

  11. Participation Rate Between 1985 and 2008, the labor force participation rate among men aged 65+ increased from 15.8% to 21.5%. Since then, the labor force participation rate of women aged 65+ has steadily risen, reaching 13.3% in 2008. (CRS Report for Congress) PPT-068-01

  12. Additional Projections United States Workforce Aged 55+ • 18.2 million in 2000; • 25.2 million in 2008; • 31.9 million in 2025. 38% increase over the past 10 years and 75% increase in the past 25 years. PPT-068-01

  13. Economic Impact 2007: There were 5 people ages 20-64 for every person 65 and older (5:1 ratio) By 2030 (youngest of boomers turns 65) this number changes to less than 3:1 ratio If baby boomers (born between 1946-1964) were to retire, as was the trend in the 90’s, there would be a cascade of change - Shortages in workforce labor - Significant increase in Social Security benefits PPT-068-01

  14. Work Force Transition 50% of the workforce are baby boomers Baby bust occurred 1965 to mid 70’s A smaller “Echo boom” occurred in mid 70’s Consequences: Current workforce is older Smaller replacement pool to draw from 55 and older PPT-068-01

  15. Generational Considerations Present workforceBorn The Veterans 1922-1945 Baby Boomers 1946-1964 Generation X 1965-1979 Generation Y – Millennials 1980-2000 PPT-068-01

  16. Generational Considerations Generational Dislikes: WWII Generation: Profanity, slang, poor grammar, disrespect Baby Boom Generation: Brusqueness, one-upsmanship Generation X: Using time poorly, corporate-speak Millennial Generation: Cynicism, sarcasm, condescension* *Phyllis Cohn, Project Manager, AARP, “The Aging Workforce: Moving Forward in a New Age,” (Turn-offs), OSHA Small Business Forum, July, 2009. PPT-068-01

  17. Generational Differences In… 1. Philosophy 2. Reasoning 3. Tolerance 4. Judgment 5. Aptitude 6. Spirituality 7. Morality 8. Work Ethics PPT-068-01

  18. Injury Rates FACTS: Work Comp experience 1998-2002 Younger workers experience more injuries (ages 25-45) Older workers experience injuries due to - repetitions/age related - rotator cuff sprains, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 2004 DOL Statistics: Age 64 + = lowest number of injuries Injuries tend to be related to repetitive use Cost of injury tends to be higher Wage difference is 1/3rd of the difference PPT-068-01

  19. Time to Recover 65 years and older: Slower recovery More delays in return to work PPT-068-01

  20. Myths Older workers can’t adapt They can’t handle new technologies Their job skills are not up to date They can’t get along with younger bosses PPT-068-01

  21. Employer Benefits/Concerns Concerns: Lost knowledge can hurt financially Harder to find qualified employees Need to do more to retain workers Need to establish formal programs to address retention and recruitment of 50+ workers PPT-068-01

  22. Benefits of Aging Work Force 1. Stronger work ethic than younger workers 2. More experienced, autonomous and efficient 3. Lower stress and coworker conflict 4. More adaptable 5. Lower rates of work-related injuries and illnesses 6. Better judgment PPT-068-01

  23. Benefits of Aging Work Force 7. Better decision making, general knowledge 8. Better attitudes, reliable, people skills 9. Company loyalty 10. Punctual; low absenteeism 11. Perform quality work 12. Basic skills in reading, writing, arithmetic PPT-068-01

  24. Employer Concerns Impact on profitability due to: Cost of health care Worker compensation costs Disability claims Accommodation PPT-068-01

  25. Employers’ Concerns How to reduce costs and maintain business continuity. New strategies required to maintain productivity “By 2010 it was estimated: Workers 35-44 years old will decrease by 19% Workers 55-64 years old will increase by 52%” Retention equates to less recruitment and training and greater cost savings”* *Reeves, S. “An Aging Workforces’ Effect on US Employers,” Business Basics- Forbes.com, September 9, 2005 PPT-068-01

  26. The Aging Process Loss or decrease in Range of Motion Flexibility changes Sleep regulation Vision issues Muscle mass reduction Bone density Thermoregulation PPT-068-01

  27. The Aging Process Hearing Balance Cardiac output Short term memory Energy / Activity level Aerobic power losses Joint changes PPT-068-01

  28. Physical Impacts Challenges to employers: Lessening physical capacity Slowing cognition Working memory decreases Declining vision and hearing Musculoskeletal conditions increase • Organizational demands suffer • Less adaptability to work shifts and longer hours • Lower job injuries but more severe • More fatal injuries on-the-job (4x rate of those age 18-19 or 20-24 years old) PPT-068-01

  29. Also Considered “Reported by 10% or more workers 55 years and older: Heart conditions, Diabetes, Psychiatric problems, Emotional problems”* *Reeves, S. “An Aging Workforces’ Effect on U.S. Employers,” Business Basics-Forbes.com, September 9, 2005 PPT-068-01

  30. Physical Impacts on Aging Cognitive Impact: Short term memory Decision making Learning new skills Reaction times Autonomic attention responses PPT-068-01

  31. Cognitive Age may affect reactions and decision making Affects: Speed sacrificed for accuracy in decision making Remedies: Create models requiring less memory Simplify tasks Standardize tasks Provide feedback Conduct Training Minimize tasks needing quick decisions Reduce distractions Permit needed time for tasks PPT-068-01

  32. Muscular “Strength is lost by 15% to 20% from age 20 to 60. Older staff may be close to their maximum capacity.”* Affects: Grip strength Ability to perform job for long intervals Work/walking surfaces create (minimal fatigue) Remedies: Exercise sessions Weight training *Randy Cranfill, MESH, CPSI, CSRM, Director, Safety and Loss Prevention, “Preparing for the Aging Workforce,” Surry Insurance, 2013 PPT-068-01

  33. Neuromuscular Range of Motion affected Decreased flexibility; greater joint stiffness Aging can lead to 50% less range of motion in lower extremities; knees and ankles Affects: Climbing stairs, ladders, bending, and lifting Remedy: Exercises specific to achieving flexibility PPT-068-01

  34. Bone Density Osteoporosis Affects: Bone strength and susceptibility to broken bones and healing “Affects more than 44 million Americans 50 and older.”* Remedies: Nutrition programs Medications Assignment to low body stress tasks *Occupational Health and Safety Issues for the Older Worker, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Trenton, NJ, 08625, December 2003 PPT-068-01

  35. Touch and Manual Dexterity Affects: Manual dexterity may be compromised from arthritis, as an example Remedies: Avoid excessive strain Avoid tight gripping; use larger handles Use both hands for tasks PPT-068-01

  36. Joints and Tendons Remedies: Avoid repetitious activity Provide breaks Rotate jobs Exercises Paraffin bath PPT-068-01

  37. Cardiovascular “Heart disease/stroke, first and third leading cause of US deaths. Major causes: diet and smoking CVD includes high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure.”* Affects: Standing, walking, exertion tasks Remedies: Quit smoking Lose weight Lower cholesterol and blood pressure Reduce stress Exercise regularly *Occupational Health and Safety Issues for the Older Worker, New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Trenton, NJ, 08625, December 2003 and www.disabled-world.com PPT-068-01

  38. Respiratory 4 categories of disorders: Obstructive Restrictive Vascular Infectious, environmental and other diseases due to work place pollutants Affects: Breathing May lead to other ailments PPT-068-01

  39. Respiratory Remedies to respiratory ailments may include: Deep breathing exercises Use of proper ventilation to reduce exposures Air monitoring to ensure lowest exposures Personal protective equipment (respirators) PPT-068-01

  40. Sleep Patterns Can be disrupted by light, noise, changed work hours Affects: Judgment Coordination Reaction times Remedy: Develop a sleep regimen to best guarantee needed hours are obtained. PPT-068-01

  41. Vision Impacted by disease (e.g. diabetes) Age causes lens to thicken, restricting light Affects: Diminished clarity, depth perception, night vision, takes longer to focus on close objects Remedy: Health programs in-house Lighting, contrasting of colors, larger font used PPT-068-01

  42. Hearing Sound separation difficult; higher frequencies unheard. About 1/3 of those 65 to 74 have hearing problems Impacts: Performance and safety; inability to monitor equipment; hear safety signals, verbal messages Remedies: Volume controls for all communications; phone, radios; visual controls where required Special PPE to enhance sound Hearing aids PPT-068-01

  43. Motor Skills Memories to brain are delayed Affects: Judgment and decision-making Reactions and response time Remedies: Reduce multi-tasking Assign to duties allowing time to think and react Install safety devices on machines PPT-068-01

  44. Stress Evaluate both physical and mental stressors Affects: Stress may affect attitude and concentration Remedies: Screen for physical problems Modify workplace Train managers to recognize and reduce stress PPT-068-01

  45. Other Arthritis Hypertension Altzheimers Parkinsons Incapacitation PPT-068-01

  46. Thermo Regulation Less able to adjust to external temperatures Affects: Fatigue, hypertension, loss of feeling and overexertion Remedies: Ensure proper PPE as well as seasonal safety policies Regulate indoor temperatures properly PPT-068-01

  47. Accommodations by Concern Lighting Contrasting Colors/Images Access Posture Ergonomics PPT-068-01

  48. Workstation Design Range of Motion PPT-068-01

  49. Equipment Design Materials Handling: Can equipment handle the lifting Reduce Repetition Design to aid posture and balance PPT-068-01

  50. Driving Safety Fleet Safety Personal Vehicle Operation “…Older drivers (55 and above) are more likely than other drivers to have a crash at an intersection or when merging or changing lanes….”* *“Safety Modifications Important for Aging Workforce,” Claims Journal, RIMKUS Consulting Group, inc., March 10, 2009 at http://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2009/03/10/98557.htm PPT-068-01

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