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HOW LONGEVITY IS SHAPING THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE
Author(s) -
Jenkins Jo Ann
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
leader to leader
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1531-5355
pISSN - 1087-8149
DOI - 10.1002/ltl.20491
Subject(s) - workforce , longevity , demographics , conversation , phenomenon , gerontology , economic growth , demographic economics , sociology , political science , psychology , demography , economics , medicine , physics , communication , quantum mechanics
This article asserts that global aging is about more than demographics. People are living longer and in better health, and we have extended middle age. This has created a new life stage opening up new possibilities for how people live and age. Various concepts are noted from the author's book Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age , including that there is a conversation to be had around the potential historic benefits of living longer. Statistics are provided on this phenomenon, such as that in the United States, 10,000 people a day are turning 65—a trend that will continue for the next 10 years; and that the fastest growing age group is people 85+. The influence of longevity on the workplace is discussed, including the following four factors: more people living longer and in generally better health; more nonphysically demanding jobs; the need to continue earning—not just to survive, but to thrive; and the desire to keep contributing to society, be engaged and make a difference. The conclusion notes that by embracing the five‐generation workforce disruptive demographics can be turned into productive possibilities for employers and employees.