Affiliations: Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT, USA | C4ISR & Special Missions Branch, US Coast Guard
R&D Center, Groton, CT, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Martha J. Sanders, MA, MSOSH, CPE
OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden,
CT 06518, USA. Tel.: +1 203 582 8416; Fax: +1 203 582 8706; E-mail:
Martha.sanders@quinnipiac.edu
Abstract: Increasing numbers of older blue collar workers are remaining in the
workforce. However, the effect of age-related changes on older workers' job
performance is not well documented. This study examined how older blue collar
workers continue to perform physically demanding jobs as they age. The research
question was: How do older maintenance workers adapt to their job tasks given
age-related changes in functioning? Qualitative case studies were conducted on two older workers: a
Custodian and a Mechanic. Workers completed a Musculoskeletal Body Map and
participated in multiple semi-structured interviews and work observations over
a two month period. Triangulated data revealed that older workers
self-initiated job adaptations for age-related and medical conditions that
impacted their jobs. The most common job adaptations were means to reduce the
physical demands of their jobs. Three other contextual themes emerged relative
to the context of work and older adulthood: job content ("what's important in
a job"), generational differences, and the broader role of work in older
adulthood ("you can't separate home and work"). Findings are discussed relative to theories of successful aging and
adaptation. Recommendations for managing and promoting successful aging for
older workers are provided based on study results.
Keywords: Ergonomics, case study, successful aging, healthy work, gerontology
