It’s no secret that people are working more and more years. The days of working until you reached the retirement age of 62-65 are but a distant memory. Data from the United States Bureau of Statistics show that the number of workers aged 65 and over increased a hundred fold from 1997 to 2007! That is a staggeringly large amount.

There are many benefits gained from working long past the retirement age. Studies have shown that, on average, people who retire slowly start to live a more inactive and sedentary lifestyle. This can cause health risks such as weight gain and mental impairment. Working in an office can help slow the onset of such factors because the mental and physical faculties are stimulated everyday.

Companies can stand to benefit from an aging workforce, too. Research shows that workers over 55 are absent less and have greater work satisfaction. It can perhaps be attributed to the fact that these workers have, more or less, settled into their roles and are happy to just chug along nicely.

Employers should take note of the fact that health and wellness must be a focus in order to adjust to the increase in older workers. Having an exercise program in place can help reduce accidents or work-related injuries in the workplace. It also reduces the risk of heart disease by improving the immune system.

Of course, giving ample vacation time is also beneficial. Stress has been shown to have adverse effects on your health, so it is critical to let employees have some time off to help them recharge their batteries. Their work will surely improve as a result.