Baselines and Care Plans for Our Aging Workforce – Dr. Zaneb Yaseen

The aging workforce encompasses those who continue careers after the age of forty. Every day in the United States, 10,000 Baby Boomers turn sixty-five. It is predicted the majority of the workforce will be over the age of forty in the next five to ten years. As the workforce ages, the need for more descriptive care plans will increase. We have to adjust our job descriptions and work restrictions, not only to meet the requirements of the job, but also to ensure the skill sets of the aging workforce are considered.

Why is Our Workforce Aging?

Why is our workforce aging? There are a number of reasons to consider, including financial restrictions, enjoyable, positive, and productive working environments, and overall, people are living longer, healthier lives, causing life expectancy to increase.

How Can We Care for Our Aging Workforce? 

What sort of care plans should we consider for the aging workforce? Obviously, physical abilities change as aging occurs. However, it is essential to make efforts to avoid bias and promote equitable work environments for those who are more mature. Taking value in mature workers with their skill sets and abilities can lead to a successful work environment.

Certain skill set requirements are more physical, which can lead to injury. Retraining and modifications of these skill set requirements can mitigate the risk of injury or harm. It is important to acknowledge medical issues can lead to other issues such as absenteeism. Considering alternative and more flexible assignments can help keep people at work longer.

Self-Care in the Workplace

It is important for mature employees to understand and follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations. Avoiding dangerous situations and knowing physical limitations can help promote a safer working environment. Taking scheduled breaks to avoid fatigue can also be helpful. Being aware of and maintaining personal health issues is also key. Some medical conditions can interfere with work performance. Staying healthy by eating well, resting, and exercising are a few things that can help employees to perform well in their careers. When doing repetitive activities, such as lifting, being mindful and maintaining proper technique and form is imperative. These personal acts and practices can prevent injuries that often plague the aging workforce. 

What Should I Do if an Injury Occurs at Work?

If an injury does occur at work, it is vital to report it promptly. This allows more efficient and timely management of the injury, and, if needed, establishes care with a workers’ compensation physician. Once this occurs, management of the injury can be handled appropriately including work restrictions if needed, nonsurgical options, and if necessary, surgical management. 

About Dr. Zaneb Yaseen

Dr. Zaneb Yaseen is one of our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons at OrthoGeorgia. She is fellowship trained in sports medicine and has a particular interest in arthroscopy of the knee, shoulder, and hip, along with joint replacement of the shoulders and knees. She works with athletes at all levels and has been an assistant team physician for a number of collegiate and professional sports teams. Dr. Yaseen is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society. She works with patients at our Warner Robins office.

Compassionate Orthopaedic Care and Workers’ Compensation Services in Central Georgia

OrthoGeorgia is committed to providing comprehensive orthopaedic care to patients of all ages, along with providing a comprehensive workers’ compensation program. We are able to meet with employers to better understand their workplace and determine the best possible treatment plan for injured employees. Our physicians are aided by a team of Certified Workers’ Compensation Professionals (CWCP) who help streamline the workers’ compensation process. Our orthopaedic care specialties in Central GA include spine, hand, sports medicine, foot & ankle, and total joint care, and we work with patients at our offices in Macon, Macon Spine and Orthopaedic Center, Warner Robins, Kathleen, Milledgeville, Dublin, and Hawkinsville. To learn more about the care we provide or to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic specialists, please contact OrthoGeorgia today!