This is the conclusion of a 3 part series on the aging workforce.
Part 1 explored the potential shortage of American workers in the near future and the benefits of being able to retain mature and experienced employees.
Part 2 defined an aging worker and explored the physical changes that can occur with aging and their impact on work performance.
Part 3 will now take a practical look at specific ergonomic accommodations that can easily and inexpensively ensure the comfort, productivity and safety of an aging workforce.
To accommodate for age-related visual changes:
- Increase area lighting.
- Use task lighting with desk lamps (consider up to a 60% increase in task lighting).
- Reduce Glare. The light source should be perpendicular to the work area/computer screen rather than directly in front of or behind it. Use indirect lighting or ergonomic equipment such as glare-reducing screens on computers.
- Adjust the monitor angle of the computer so that print can be easily read and glare is reduced.
- Increase the size of font in written communications and on the computer screen.
- Reduce visual �clutter� in correspondence and on the monitor screen.
- Have magnifiers or magnifying glasses readily available.
- Clean computer screens regularly and adjust the screen color and contrast so that the print is most legible. Use high resolution monitors. Use larger monitor screens.
- Schedule or encourage regular visits to an eye-care specialist.
- Eye drops and artificial tears can reduce the discomfort of dry eyes and irritations.
- Take frequent breaks when reading, computing and performing work that requires intense visual focus.
- Be particularly aware of neck and shoulder posture if using bifocals.
- Consider purchasing eyeglasses that are prescribed specifically for computer use.
- Use brighter colors to draw the focus and attention.
- Safety signs and symbols should be marked with high-contrast, bright materials.
To accommodate for age-related hearing loss
- Reduce background noise whenever possible.
- Contain high-noise equipment in insulated cabinets/housings to dampen the noise.
- Use or encourage protective ear equipment in high-noise areas to prevent further loss.
- Use equipment with adjustable noise levels such as phones with magnified audio output.
- Use visual cues in place of auditory cues when possible - such as phones that light when ringing or flashing computer prompts.
- Schedule or encourage regular visits to an ear-care specialist.
To accommodate for age-related changes in muscle strength, joint function and flexibility, and speed of reflexes and balance
- Modify the work load to reduce the amount of strength and endurance needed for tasks (consider maximum lifting capacity 20% less than for a younger worker).
- Smaller loads
- Mechanical lift assists
- Extra help available for heavier tasks
- Power tools
- Job rotation through challenging tasks
- Frequent rest breaks
- Be aware of proper posture. Avoid stressful positions/activities or static, uncomfortable postures.
- Perform work directly in front of and in close to the body.
- Encourage/perform frequent stretching breaks.
- Provide/seek information on body mechanics.
- Increase the size of handles and levers. Replace smaller buttons and controls with larger ones when possible.
- Use leverage instead of grip whenever possible.
- Use textured/knobbed handles to improve gripping ability.
- Encourage accurate, safe performance, not speed.
- Provide job-rotation for challenging activities.
- Avoid working in extremes of temperatures.
The Environment
- Eliminate clutter in the work environment to reduce the potential for falls.
- Walkways should be well-illuminated.
- Safety signs/symbols should be marked in bright, contrasting colors.
- Arrange the work environment/station to avoid overhead or bent-over work
- Minimize changes in working schedules to improve quality of sleep.
- Priority should be given to day shifts.
- Provide a cultural environment that supports safety.
Specifically for the Computer
- Follow the ergonomic recommendations for computer users of all ages
- http://www.handhealthresources.com/Solutions%20Pages/Ergonomics.htm
- Be particularly aware of neutral postures
- Take frequent micro-breaks and stretch often (20-180 seconds for every 10-15 minutes of high intensity work)
- Voice recognition software can compensate for difficulty with using a keyboard
- Larger labels/markings on keyboards
Microsoft is one example of a company that has looked ahead and made accommodations available for computer users with disabilities. �Ten Tips for the Awkward Age of Computing� describes Window XP options that customize keyboard, monitor and mouse performance for those with loss of vision, hearing or physical dexterity. Some examples:
- Changing the size of text and icons, screen resolution, magnifying screen items
- Speech recognition features
- Choice of high-contrast monitor displays
- Visual notification for sounds
- MouseKeys that transfer mouse functions to the numeric keypad
- StickyKeys that combines simultaneous key combinations into one key hit
- FilterKeys enable the computer to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes made accidentally
- http://www.microsoft.com/enable/aging/tips.aspx
It is a myth that as we age we become a burden. Although there are actual age-related changes in physical function, wisdom and skill can compensate for any slowing down in ability. We need to create a culture of respect for the elderly in our workforce. We need to look ahead and plan to accommodate for changes in physical ability. By doing this, we can maximize the valuable contribution that an aging and experienced workforce has to offer.
