We’re All Getting Old
The U. S. Census Bureau predicts that by 2050 nearly 20 million workers or about 20% of the national workforce will be 65 or older. That represents an increase of 75% while the number of workers ages 25 to 54 is predicted to grow by only 2%. The health care workforce is already older than most. By 2020, nearly half of all registered nurses will reach traditional retirement age of 65. Currently, the average age of a nurse in the United States is 50. Nearly one-quarter of physicians in a 2007 nationwide survey were 60 years or older. In light of these predictions, the U.S. Department of Labor commissioned an Issue Brief that is intended to address the challenges that lie ahead in the health care industry’s aging workforce. (more…)
