Older workers.

A number of themes weave through any consideration of the American workforce. Demographic imperatives and our own experience underscore the aging of workers and the heterogeneity of that segment of the working population . As occupational therapists, we treat those older adults whose working roles have been adversely impacted by physical, emotional and/ or social losses, or who have retired. We understand how function is affected by the interplay of chronic illnesses that affect adults as they age, as well as the normal effects of aging. But gerontic occupational therapists often do not deal with the majority of elders, those who are successful agers . Remembering that backdrop of successful agers can help us maintain or renew our perspective on the multiple capabilities of aging American workers and diminishes the power of myths perpetuating the notion that older adults do not want to or cannot work. 1 Some of the important threads of the workforce fabric are the dynamic changes, choices, and challenges in our reciprocal relationship with this ever-increasing segment of the population. Change is a primary theme for older workers and professionals working with them. The rapidity of technological change and its effect on jobs has decreased the number of jobs and increased the demand for skills in the jobs that remain. Concurrently, the number of service jobs has increased, while the number of younger people joining the workforce has decreased. Ageism has blinded employers to the benefits of retaining and retraining or recruiting older workers. At the same time, aging workers have internalized ageist beliefs and feel unable to learn new skills or be of value to society. Although aging workers exhibit slower reaction and decision-making times, their assets are many; these include maturity, goodjudgment, experience, skills, motivation, a strong work ethic, and decreased absenteeism and turnover rates. 2 Older, experienced workers can be more efficient and productive than younger workers when they are engaged in nonphysical tasks requiring experience and decision-making. A relative stability in learning and problemsolving capabilities evolves through the working years .3 However, job flexibility and work satisfaction are necessary to successful continuation of work among aging employees. Occupational therapists need to reassess their views of the continuing capabilities and assets of older workers . Faced with a diminishing body of new workers, employers will turn to older, female, and disabled workers . 4 A basic tenet of occupational therapy is the human need to engage in meaningful activity. Occupational therapists can help to change society's view of the ability of the aging to engage in productive work and can provide adaptations that compensate for the primary and secondary effects of aging, thus meeting the dual needs of employers and employees. Occupational therapists can address the