Brief Policies for an Aging Labor Force
Subtitle
Keeping Older Workers with Health Conditions Employed
Jack Smalligan, Chantel Boyens
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Each year, millions of older workers leave the labor force and retire prematurely, often because of health shocks. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn have only exacerbated this. In this brief, we explore how providing workplace accommodations can help more workers remain in the labor force. Although we focus on workers over age 55, workplace accommodations could also help many younger workers who develop a health condition that inhibits their ability to work. States with paid leave programs are especially well positioned to help workers stay in the labor force.

Research and Evidence Health Policy Work, Education, and Labor Tax and Income Supports Research to Action Upward Mobility
Expertise Upward Mobility and Inequality Social Safety Net Wealth and Financial Well-Being Higher Education Workforce Development Labor Markets Health Care Coverage, Costs, and Access Aging and Retirement
Tags Social Security Older workers Employment and income data Public health Mobility Disability Insurance Beyond high school: Education and training Retirement policy Social determinants of health Disability equity policy