The phrase “growing old together” has taken on a new meaning for professionals in workers’ compensation in recent years. Americans are literally growing older in their jobs than ever before. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), between 1977 and 2007, employment of workers 65 and over increased 101%, an upward trend that’s expected to continue over time.

These older workers bring to the workforce the benefits of deep experience and extensive industry knowledge. They also bring a great many challenges when it comes to managing their illness or injuries.

The aging of the workforce is a trend that can’t be ignored by workers’ compensation and insurance professionals; rather, we must embrace this growing employee population and understand how best to proactively manage existing conditions, help employers prevent workplace injuries through small adjustments and, most importantly, manage the care of the older worker who is injured to avoid complications and facilitate a faster return to work.