ABSTRACT
Older adults at normative post-retirement ages are often involved in a variety of work and volunteer activities. There are many myths about older adults as workers, and both managers and older workers themselves often accept those myths. Prominent myths include the notion that older workers are less productive than younger ones, are less interested in work, are less willing to learn new skills, and have higher rates of injury and absenteeism. Teamwork is also becoming increasingly important for many occupations, increasing demands on communicative skills, particularly for collaborative software. In addition, increasing numbers of workers operate from remote locations such as their home or satellite offices. Teleworking offers several advantages for older workers and those with disabilities. It eliminates commuting problems and allows for flexible work hours, which can be of great benefit to those with significant caregiving responsibilities as well.
