One of the newsletters that purposefully reaches my inbox is from Medscape and is more clinical than some others. Usually I go to the public health section with only a brief scan of the other “headlines.” This week a story about aging and work caught my eye so I printed it for later and later was today. I am so glad that I read that article and am excited to share it.
It was written by a physician who is affiliated with Emory University, the CDC and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The doctor/author’s name is L. Cassey Chosewood, MD.
Dr. Chosewood discusses the benefits of working past retirement age and gives fellow physicians suggestions on how to treat or manage the care of their older, working patients. The benefits of working past the ages of 60 and 70 were noted (with the qualification that many persons could continue to work 10 or more years after!) and include:
“Many workers benefit significantly from continuing to work into old age. Work is “medicine” -- even better than medicine for many. In addition to providing economic security and often wider access to healthcare options, work enhances well-being, promotes social interaction, increases the variety and quality of life, and provides many people with a sense of accomplishment and achievement. Although some older individuals work out of necessity, many report that they continue to work to contribute, or to "make a difference." Almost all jobs help older people sustain and extend their physical activity level and support increased social engagement and larger support networks. Work provides accountability for many; an absence from work may serve as the first sign to warn distant family that something is wrong with a loved one. Emerging evidence also suggests that work may improve brain health, sustain healthy cognition, and protect memory.” (The evidence that Dr. Chosewood is referring to can be found in this journal article which is available for free.)
The best part of this article is the encouragement to keep older workers at their jobs!
Just think, Warren Buffet is 80, Alan Greenspan is 85 and Betty White is 89!
Sadly, it was also noted that younger workers have chronic disease conditions related to obesity, tobacco use, lack of activity and poor nutrition that makes their continuing to work a real challenge.
I was also thrilled to see this admonition:
“Remind yourself that chronological age matters little. One 75-year-old can differ markedly from another. When it comes to work, what matters is functional ability, not the number of candles on a birthday cake.”
My Mother is a perfect example of everything that is said in this article. She goes to work because she likes the security it provides her financially, but more importantly, it keeps her engaged and young and of sound mind. I am so damn proud of her - a waitress at 82. Now that is something.
So I close with the last part of the article:
“Although work may not be beneficial for all older persons, for many it is an important avenue to economic security, enhanced social interaction, and improved quality of life. Primary care clinicians can play a vital role in encouraging work when appropriate and by supporting positive health behaviors and interventions that allow work to continue. We can also take steps to manage chronic conditions to support safe, productive work and advocate for our older workers who need special accommodations.”
Thank you Dr. Chosewood for talking to your colleagues about the importance of helping those who need and want to work to continue. (The article includes very specific clinical recommendations, like making sure that the patient stays well, gets well fast, and is not taking medicines that would interfere with their working or driving :)) Oh - and one of those things for doctors to do is advise the patient on specific exercises for balance, core strength and stretching. You must know, my Mom has been “coached” on these things by yours truly - except maybe the stretching.
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