Our Changing Work Environment: Making a Positive Difference in the Lives of Older Workers

Nancy L. Falk, MBA, BSN, College of Nursing and Health Science, George Mason University, 7756 Marshall Heights Court, Falls Church, VA 22043, 703-827-8953, nfalk@gmu.edu and Robert D. Tuch, MSPH, PhD Program - Public Health, Walden University, 155 Fifth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

Our workforce is changing. Demographic trends will change the nature of work, for all of us, but especially for our aging population. Approximately 20,000 baby boomers per day are becoming “seniors.” Many aging boomers will need to or choose to continue working. Within 20 years almost 30% of the US workforce will be older than 55 years of age. This session was developed to educate and facilitate dialogue among public health practitioners regarding aging, health, and work. Together, we will examine why the workforce is changing, how each of us will be affected and what we can be doing to be a positive force in helping to impact today’s older worker. Designed for participants of all ages, this session will be worthwhile for all public health practitioners (and employers) no matter what their area of expertise or educational background.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will

Understand the changing nature of our workforce (by examining age and employment demographics.
Recognize opportunities for public health professionals to make a positive impact in the lives of older workers, employers of older workers and our society.
Be knowledgeable about community resources available to assist in meeting the of this population.

Keywords: Aging, Workforce

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Promoting and Maintaining Independence among Older Adults

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA