Cognitive Ergonomics in the Aging Workforce: A Contemporary Health and Safety Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/f36qj339Keywords:
Cognitive Ergonomics, Aging Workforce, Workplace Design, Occupational Health, Human FactorsAbstract
This study examines the overlap between cognitive ergonomics and aging workforce processes, establishing interventions on how workplaces can be designed to offer the best-in-class working arrangement and safety measures. It compiles literature on cognitive aging, occupational hazards, and ergonomic worksite interventions on older workers on topics associated with cognitive aging, including processing speed, memory, and decision-making. The analysis of 13 peer-reviewed articles (2016-2025) reveals that specific ergonomic measures, such as optimized interface, improved light sources, and adaptive technologies, can eliminate cognitive deteriorations. Companies using such strategies witness 35 % fewer incidents, 28% job satisfaction, and 42% improved productivity among employees 55+. This research provides evidence-based outcomes on establishing age-inclusive work environments, which are valuable in building the future of managing multigenerational workforces
References
Ahmad, N. A., Abd Rauf, M. F., Mohd Zaid, N. N., Zainal, A., Tengku Shahdan, T. S., & Abdul Razak, F. H. (2022). Effectiveness of instructional strategies designed for older adults in learning digital technologies: a systematic literature review. SN computer science, 3(2), 130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-022-01016-0
Angelopoulou, E., Karabatzaki, Z., & Drigas, A. S. (2021). The Role of Working Memory and Attention in Older Workers' Learning. International Journal of Advanced Corporate Learning, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.3991/ijac.v14i1.20355
Beier, M. E., Kanfer, R., Kooij, D. T., & Truxillo, D. M. (2022). What's age got to do with it? A primer and review of the workplace aging literature. Personnel Psychology, 75(4), 779-804. https://doi.org/10.1111/peps.12544
Bentley, T., Onnis, L. A., Vassiley, A., Farr-Wharton, B., Caponecchia, C., Andrew, C., ... & Green, N. (2023). A systematic review of literature on occupational health and safety interventions for older workers. Ergonomics, 66(12), 1968-1983. https://doi.org/10.1080/00140139.2023.2176550
Caporale, A., Botti, L., Galizia, F. G., & Mora, C. (2022). Assessing the impact of environmental quality factors on the industrial performance of aged workers: A literature review. Safety Science, 149, 105680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2022.105680
Fisher, G. G., Chaffee, D. S., Tetrick, L. E., Davalos, D. B., & Potter, G. G. (2017). Cognitive functioning, aging, and work: A review and recommendations for research and practice. Journal of occupational health psychology, 22(3), 314. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/ocp0000086
Graby, M. (2021). Older Adults Experiences Learning, Integrating and Adopting Smart Home Technology: A Mixed Methods Study. The Pennsylvania State University. https://etda.libraries.psu.edu/files/final_submissions/23893
Häuser, K. I., Demberg, V., & Kray, J. (2018). Surprisal modulates dual-task performance in older adults: Pupillometry shows age-related trade-offs in task performance and time-course of language processing. Psychology and aging, 33(8), 1168. https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2018-63178-002
Jane Osareme, O., Muonde, M., Maduka, C. P., Olorunsogo, T. O., & Omotayo, O. (2024). Demographic shifts and healthcare: A review of aging populations and systemic challenges. Int. J. Sci. Res. Arch, 11, 383-395. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/65f3/36ed8bac5d284f94d935fb8b373344ff0011.pdf
Jung, D., An, J., & Hong, T. (2024). Exploring the relationship between office lighting, cognitive performance, and psychophysiological responses: A multidimensional approach. Building and Environment, 263, 111863. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2024.111863
Li, Q. (2019). User modelling for older adults' mobile interaction behaviour: evaluation of user characteristics, task demands and interface design. https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/bitstream/200/10235/1/991022289512803411.pdf
Loh, V., O’Loughlin, K., & Zettna, N. (2024). Job Design for Age-inclusive Workplaces. In The Multigenerational Workforce: Managing Age and Gender at Work (pp. 157-180). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-5461-8_7
Vallesi, A., Tronelli, V., Lomi, F., & Pezzetta, R. (2021). Age differences in sustained attention tasks: A meta-analysis. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-021-01908-x
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Kimberly Long Holt (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
