Health and Safety Needs of Older Workers

Mirroring a worldwide phenomenon in industrialized nations, the U.S. is experiencing a change in its demographic structure known as population aging.

Concern about the aging population tends to focus on the adequacy of Medicare and Social Security, retirement of older Americans, and the need to identify policies, programs, and strategies that address the health and safety needs of older workers. Older workers differ from their younger counterparts in a variety of physical, psychological, and social factors.

Evaluating the extent, causes, and effects of these factors and improving the research and data systems necessary to address the health and safety needs of older workers may significantly impact both their ability to remain in the workforce and their well being in retirement. Health and Safety Needs of Older Workers provides an image of what is currently known about the health and safety needs of older workers and the research needed to encourage social polices that guarantee older workers a meaningful share of the nation's work opportunities. Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Introduction2 Demographic Characteristics of the Older Workforce3 The Role of the Changing Labor Market and the Changing Nature ofWork in Older Workers' Work Experiences and Health Outcomes4 The Social and Economic Context of Work for Older Persons5 Physical and Cognitive Differences Between Older and YoungerWorkers6 Effects of Workplace Exposures on Older Workers7 Programs and Policies Related to the Older Workforce and SafeWork8 Interventions for Older Workers9 Conclusions and RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A Epidemiological and Demographic TablesAppendix B Estimated Survival Functions for Men and WomenAppendix C Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and StaffIndex