Affiliations: Misericordia University, Dallas, PA, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Dawn M. Evans, MS, OTR/L, 301 Lake
Street, Dallas, PA 18612, USA. Tel.: +1 570 674 6415; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore
and better understand (a) why aging workers continue to work past retirement
age, (b) how aware occupational therapists are of the needs of the growing
demographic of the aging worker, and (c) potential occupational therapy
interventions that could better help this population. Method: This study was conducted with a mixed method design
approach, specifically the parallel/simultaneous design, which consisted of
both qualitative and quantitative investigation. The quantitative portion of
the study focused on data obtained from the surveys and the qualitative portion
was based on phenomenological interviews of aging workers. Results: Themes emerging from the interviews demonstrate the
importance of health promoting habits and family support in providing the
critical foundation to maintain employment past age 55. Financial stability was
a key motivator which compelled the interviewees to continue working. The older
workers had no planned date for retirement and felt confident that the
knowledge and life experience they offered were important qualities they
brought to the workplace. The survey showed a need for occupational therapists
to become more responsive to the growing demographic of older adult workers as
they reported limited service enhancement and expansion for this group. Conclusion: Aging workers are prime candidates for
occupational therapy. However, the profession appears to be overlooking
opportunities to meet the needs of these productive community members.
Occupational therapists need to better respond to the physical, social,
psychological, cognitive, and environmental challenges faced by this well
population. The authors challenge occupational therapists to alter services,
seek funding and obtain continuing education so they are better equipped to
establish and enhance effective programs for this growing population.
