Some of the social, economic, safety and medical myths about older workers are based on a perception that older workers are frail, unreliable and incapable of working effectively and safely. It is time to set aside these stereotypes and negative attitudes.
The following information presents and responds to some of these myths.
Older workers are more likely to have work-related injuries.
Not true. In fact, older workers suffer fewer job-related injuries.
Older workers have failing memories.
Long-term memory continues to increase with age.
Older workers are less productive.
Productivity is individual and varies more within an age group than between age groups. No significant impact on productivity due to aging is likely until workers are well into their 70’s.
Older adults have impaired mental or intellectual capacity.
Studies show intellectual abilities stay intact into the 70’s and beyond. Short-term memory may start declining well before age 45, but measurable, in-depth knowledge continues to increase as we age.
