As of 2021, nearly one-quarter of U.S. workers were age 55 or older, and labor force participation for seniors is projected to increase through 2030 despite participation from other age groups expected to hold steady or decline, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports.
Older workers provide tangible value to their workplaces in the form of institutional knowledge and experience, but they also present unique risks. With so many older Americans remaining on the job, employers must be aware of the best ways to address the unique health and safety needs of these employees.
Older employees tend to experience fewer workplace injuries overall, the CDC reports, but these workers often take longer to heal, which emphasizes the need for robust return-to-work programs. There has also been a notable increase in fatal workplace injuries to older workers over the last few decades, with the BLS reporting these workers incurred 56% more fatal workplace injuries in 2017 than in 1992.
CareScout recently evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine which areas are best for older workers to thrive. Their scores and rankings were determined using criteria such as labor force participation, income, age discrimination rates, remote work flexibility, income taxes and new business growth.
The states that ranked lowest in CareScout's research were Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, Alabama and Louisiana.
In the slideshow above, we'll look at the states CareScout determined are the best places for older workers to thrive.
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