Aging workers
As fertility rates fall and life expectancy climbs, the average age of Canada’s population continues to rise. This has widespread implications for social policies and the world of work. IWH research explores these implications, such as the effects of aging on work ability, injury rates, injury and disease prevention, productivity, accommodation and return to work. It also looks at the workplace and social programs that will allow aging workers to remain at work in a healthy and productive way until they transition into retirement.
Featured
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IWH Speaker Series
Unveiling the JDAPT: A new interactive tool to identify work-related support strategies for workers with chronic conditions and disability
In this presentation, Dr. Monique Gignac describes the JDAPT tool, its development, as well as data from two studies on the tool. She discusses the JDAPT’s potential to help workers by focusing on work solutions, not medical diagnoses and symptoms.
Published: March 21, 2023
![An older female worker ponders decision while sitting in waiting room](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_6_col_wide/public/iwh/images/older_worker_woman_decision.jpg?h=41a21ba0&itok=ULfPK0hK)
At Work article
Older workers not prone to ask for employer support, citing ageism and other issues
Many older workers are in no hurry to retire, but they may have support needs they're reluctant to divulge. An IWH team explores the reasons and suggests ways workplaces can provide support despite the absence of disclosure.
Published: November 7, 2022
Journal article
Journal article
Implications of an aging workforce for work injury, recovery, returning to work and remaining at work
Published: OOHNA Journal, April 2019
Journal article
Journal article
Inequalities in employment rates among older men and women in Canada, Denmark, Sweden and the UK
Published: BMC Public Health, March 2019
![A tired worker holds her head in her hands as she sits at her desk in a dark office](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/tired_woman_late.jpg?h=174a69e9&itok=nYgdcrvs)
At Work article
Boomers with and without chronic conditions have similar needs for workplace supports
Yes, older workers with diabetes or arthritis experience fatigue and pain. But they're not that different from healthy peers in how much they need, or use, workplace accommodations, an IWH study has found.
Published: February 2019
Journal article
Journal article
Retirement expectations of older workers with arthritis and diabetes compared with those of workers with no chronic diseases
Published: Canadian Journal on Aging, February 2019
![Male worker removing carpet](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/carpet_layer_osteoarthritis_2019.jpg?h=e93a7206&itok=dQyTdiKv)
Impact case study
IWH review findings add consistency to osteoarthritis-related advice offered by WorkSafeBC medical advisors
The findings of an Institute for Work & Health systematic review on the association between osteoarthritis and work are being used by WorkSafeBC's medical advisors, contributing to more consistency in claims adjudication.
Published: January 2019
Journal article
Journal article
The associations between falls, fall injuries, and labor market outcomes among U.S. workers 65 years and older
Published: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, October 2018
![An older woman works in a workshop](/sites/iwh/files/styles/bootstrap_4_col_widescreen/public/iwh/images/older_woman_factory.jpg?h=0531737f&itok=5Du7K9O4)
At Work article
Sex/gender analysis: Men and women with arthritis have same needs at work, but not the same supports
Study of workers with arthritis finds the need for workplace supports goes unmet more often among women, and that's due to the type of jobs and workplaces women are in.
Published: August 2018
Journal article
Journal article
Are there differences in workplace accommodation needs, use and unmet needs among older workers with arthritis, diabetes and no chronic conditions? Examining the role of health and work context
Published: Work, Aging & Retirement, June 2018
Journal article
Journal article
Age, sex, and the changing disability burden of compensated work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Canada and Australia
Published: BMC Public Health, June 2018
Journal article
Journal article
The role of sex, gender, health factors, and job context in workplace accommodation use among men and women with arthritis
Published: Annals of Work Exposures and Health, February 2018