Stress and coping among older workers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hansson, Robert O. | Robson, Sean M. | Limas, Michael J.

Affiliations: University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA

Note: [] Department of Psychology, University of Tulsa, 600 S. College, Tulsa, OK 74104, USA. Tel.: +1 918 631 2472; Fax: +1 918 631 2833; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Age-related changes in physical and cognitive abilities can raise adaptive challenges for older working adults. Older workers exhibit considerable capacity to manage and cope with the stress of job and environmental demands, but at some point, many can become overwhelmed, and find themselves at increased risk for health consequences, injury, disability, and diminished productivity. Older workers are, however, a highly heterogeneous population, and many continue to work safely and successfully. Employers are encouraged to join efforts to provide an optimal person-environment-fit for all of their employees, but with a sensitivity to the increased variability to be expected among older employees.

Journal: Work, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 247-256, 2001