Megatrends in the Workforce

 Despres noted that older workers often bring a tremendous work ethic and a lot of knowledge to the workforce. But in terms of healthcare, several issues are common with older workers, including falls. In addition, older workers have a longer recovery time than young workers.

 Obesity, which is at epidemic proportions in the U.S., also can result in significant healthcare costs, increasing rates of injury in the workplace, and more absences from work. Comorbid conditions, which increase in frequency with age, are often associated with obesity as well.

 Despres then laid out solutions for managing aging, overweight and otherwise less healthy workers. She stressed the importance of strength training as a way to reduce age-related muscle loss and reduce fall risk and discussed how physical therapists can help reduce the incidence of worker injuries. Taking ergonomics into account also can be an important step, she said.