Cognitive Ageing, Work, and Retirement

A seminar by Dr. Gwenith Fisher Associate Prof.  at Colorado State University.

Workforce demographics have been  shifting over the past couple of decades due to economic, health, social and  psychological factors. These factors include decreasing fertility, increased  life expectancies, changes in public policy and age of eligibility for  government pensions, and other economic and psychological reasons for continued  work. As a result, a higher proportion of workers remain at work until later  ages than in the past and retirement ages have been increasing in recent  years. Recent research has highlighted the importance of keeping workers  healthy and engaged in productive work. When people remain engaged in the  workforce, they continue to contribute to, and benefit, society. Although a  great deal of past research has examined physical health and well-being of  working older adults, less research has investigated issues related to  cognitive functioning and work. This presentation will provide some background  on work and retirement trends, discuss aging and cognitive functioning, and  explain implications of aging and cognitive functioning for work and human  resources management. Additionally the presentation will describe research,  practical, and policy implications for the labor force at societal,  organizational and individual levels.