| Abstrakt: |
The aged population is the fastest growing group in the United States. People in the 65 years old and older category will increase more than forty percent in the years between 2000 and 2020. At least one in four of these people will have at least a part-time job. Yet, many hazards are still present within the workplace: stairs, uneven surfaces, and steps are hazards, in addition to poor lighting, mechanical processes, and equipment. Many companies do not have personnel with special training that targets the needs of aging employees. As people age, they experience various physiological changes. They are more likely to suffer fatalities from injuries or complications related to injuries. This article provides a review of the salient physiological concerns regarding aging workers. Issues regarding vision, response time, musculoskeletal concerns, balance control and falls, and shift work will be addressed. Kinesiotherapists, specialists in the evaluation and treatment of muscular imbalance or derangement, should be part of a collaborative team to identify processes and job hazards that could exacerbate musculoskeletal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
