[caption id="attachment_135576" align="aligncenter" width="616"] Aging baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964 — have generated a "Silver Tsunami," an extremely large wave of individuals who are about to reach retirement age. (Photo: Shutterstock)[/caption] It's no secret that the U.S. workforce is getting older. In fact, Americans 65 or older surpassed 50 million. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many are staying in the workforce longer, for a variety of reasons. For example, life expectancy is rising, the age to collect Social Security retirement benefits is increasing, and many still need to work for financial reasons. Related: 7 reasons not to retire before age 66

Medical management

As employees continue working into their advanced years, the workers' compensation industry is challenged with coordinating care for this aging population. Insurance agents and brokers, claims professionals and nurse case managers must understand that the natural physiological changes that occur with the aging process can impact claims outcomes. Consider this: In 2016, more than 42% of workers aged 55 and older were employed in the following types of occupations:

• Management.
• Sales and office work.
• The service industry.
• Production, including transportation and moving.
• Construction.

Most of these jobs require frequent musculo-skeletal and cardiovascular use. The aging process results in lost muscle mass and strength, as well as decreased muscle fibers. When this deterioration occurs, an aged injured worker is more likely to require a prolonged recovery period from muscle damage. In addition, older workers face an increased risk for injury and re-injury. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity, are associated with increased age and can require more complex and challenging treatment. Such conditions as osteoporosis and arthritis can cause more strains and sprains to occur and hinder the healing process. Older workers also may experience reduced cardiovascular output, which may affect their ability to perform medium to heavy physical labor. All of these challenges impact recovery time and return to work.

Fostering cultural sensitivity

Aging workers are a growing subculture. Although Hollywood continues to feature older actors in blockbuster films, it hasn't negated the misconceptions that still exist about the aging population. In fact, such myths are often perpetuated by media and the entertainment industry. For example, aging individuals are portrayed as slow or averse to picking up new skills, unable to make critical decisions, and less active. Related: 10 more issues impacting workers' compensation in 2018 Ageism can directly and indirectly affect how claims involving older individuals are handled. As a result, claims organizations must train examiners to handle these claims with cultural sensitivity, which is key to ensuring quality, patient-centered care. Adjusters must become cognizant of any feelings, biases and stereotypes they may have regarding aging workers. They should seek ongoing information to learn more about this subculture. Each interaction with an older individual provides an opportunity to show empathy and understanding.

Experience matters

Older workers bring a wealth of benefits to the workplace. They have a phenomenal work ethic and deep reservoir of knowledge. As an industry, we should work together to develop strategies that maximize these valuable contributions, while minimizing the risk of injury and prolonged absence. These practices support an age-friendly response to aging-worker claims, allowing these employees stay in the workforce longer. Chikita Mann, MSN, RN, CCM, ([email protected]) is a disability case manager supervisor at Genex Services for Georgia. See also: Improving workers' comp outcomes by focusing on employees How a Dallas school district slashed workers' comp costs