Age, Work, and Disability: Rehabilitation at the End of the Worklife

Abstract

Older workers engaging in vocational rehabilitation services have received little attention in the vocational rehabilitation literature. However, older workers are the fastest growing sector of the United States labor market and they are predicted to become a greater proportion of vocational rehabilitation caseloads as they remain in the worliforce longer, or increasingly enter or re-enter the labor market. Research indicates that as people age, the probability of acquiring a disability increases dramatically. Regardless of when or how someone acquired a disability, understanding the elements particular to the rehabilitation counseling of older workers with disabilities is important. This paper explores the various demographics, issues, trends, and elements rehabilitation counselors could consider in working with older Americans with disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors need to become aware of these issues with older workers and retool in order to service this sector of the population more efficiently. Implications for the rehabilitation counseling practitioner and service delivery options are also presented.

Professional Identity and the Future of Rehabilitation Counseling

“…He noted, "For the first time this huge social force is about to boost the disability movement" and that "our job is going to be to convince the mass media of this" (p. 266). In addition to others who have addressed aging issues and the role of rehabilitation counselors (e.g., Harley, Dixon, & Moore, 2003), Barros-Bailey, Fischer, and Saunders (2007) noted, "Rehabilitation counselors are in the unique position of having access to methods, systems, assessments, and other resources to assist older workers" (p. 28).…”

Factors Impacting Employment Outcomes for Older Adults With Disabilities in Korea

“…As previously indicated, older adults may face financial need for employment following retirement, and older adults with disabilities may confront similar demands to seek or maintain employment. Possible reasons for employment following retirement include unstable or inadequate pension programs, lack of savings or benefits, high medical costs, or ineligibility for Social Security benefits (Kampfe et al, 2008), and as PWDs generally earn less than people with disabilities, there may be even greater motivation to work (Barros-Bailey et al, 2007). It is also important to note that older adults who are women and people from minority groups are likely to have lower employment rates with lower paying jobs (Kampfe et al, 2008; Newman & Brach, 2001), and this disparity increases for women and individuals from minority groups who also have a disability (Barros-Bailey et al, 2007).…”

Rehabilitating workers aged 55 and over: professionals’ perspectives and solutions

“…Within the organization, some studies recognize that workplaces offer less support to older workers than to younger workers when they return to work, and hence, fewer possibilities of work accommodations [14,16,18,21]. Yet many studies show that providing accommodations in the workplace is a key factor in a successful return to work, particularly for aging workers [14,19].…”

“…Certain fears play a role as well (e.g., fear that their pain will prevent them from regaining their capacities, that their health condition will be misunderstood by their workplace, or that they will lose their job). These fears may also mean that aging workers are reluctant to request work accommodations from their employers [19,20]. Within the organization, some studies recognize that workplaces offer less support to older workers than to younger workers when they return to work, and hence, fewer possibilities of work accommodations [14,16,18,21].…”