At a glance
The population in the United States is aging. This leads to more workers 65 and older. This increase brings unique occupational safety and health challenges and opportunities for older workers.
An aging population
The number of older individuals in the U.S. noninstitutionalized population has grown in the last five decades and is projected to continue to grow.
Population aging is one of the driving factors of the aging of the U.S. workforce.
Older workers
The percentage of older workers employed has grown. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of workers aged 65 or older has grown by 117% within 20 years. Employment of individuals 75 years or older has increased by 117%.
Full-time older workers
The percentage of full-time older workers has grown. The increase of workers aged 65 or older accompanies a shift in the type of work schedule most commonly used. There has been a consistent increase in the percentage of older workers employed in full time, rather than part-time jobs.
Injuries among older workers
Older workers are less likely to be injured, but their injuries are more likely to be serious.
Frequency of occupational injuries overall decreases with age. However, injuries are more likely to be fatal for those who are older, particularly after age 60.
