A number of demographic trends including the aging of the population, changes in labor force participation rates of younger workers, and changes in retirement policies and programs have generated renewed interest in the older worker. By the year 2030 there will be approximately 70 million people over the age of 65 in the United States - about twice the number of people over 65 reported in 2000. As the general population is aging, the overall workforce is also aging. In the year 2010, the number of workers aged 55 or older in the United States will be approximately 26 million - a 46 percent increase since 2000 - and by 2025 there will be approximately 33 million older people in the labor force. In addition, the participation rate of younger workers in the labor force is decreasing, creating potential labor shortages, especially in skilled and managerial positions.

Concurrent with the changes in the demographic structure of the workforce, there are changes in the way work is being performed. Computer and information technologies are increasingly being used in work settings. In 2001, more than half of the U.S. workforce used a computer or some other form of technology at work. Computer-based occupations are also expected to grow significantly in the upcoming decades. Furthermore, the number of people who are "telecommuting" is rapidly increasing. In 1995, at least 3 million Americans were telecommuting for their jobs, and this number is expected to increase by approximately 20 percent per year in the current decade. In essence, most workers (including older workers) will need to interact with some form of technology to perform their job.

This discussion will address the potential implications of technology for an aging workforce. Data will be presented from a series of ongoing studies regarding the ability of older people to perform computer-based work tasks, including data from a recent study examining older workers and telecommuting. In addition, data will be presented on the willingness and ability of older adults to use new and existing technologies. Finally the data suggest that telecommuting may be particularly suitable for older people. These findings will be discussed in terms of strategies for job and interface design. Finally, recommendations for future work in the area of aging and work will be outlined.

close