In the 2008 movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, the main character ages in reverse—a fantasy that sparked our collective fascination with staying young forever. While we can’t turn back the clock, most of us share the same wish: to maintain energy, comfort, and performance as we get older.
In the workplace, aging brings predictable physical and cognitive changes. Ergonomics doesn’t stop time, but it helps us adapt. Thoughtful design of tasks, tools, and work environments can support employees as their bodies and minds naturally change, keeping them safe, comfortable, and productive throughout their careers.
Health experts like Howard J. Luks emphasize that practical lifestyle choices—such as maintaining metabolic health, staying active, and building strength—are critical to maintaining functional capacity as we age (Luks, 2022). In combination with ergonomics accommodations, these behaviors allow workers to remain capable and resilient over time.
How aging affects physical and cognitive abilities
Aging is associated with gradual changes in body and brain function. Muscle strength, aerobic capacity, balance, and mobility decline over time, especially when physical activity is insufficient (Luo et al., 2025). How many of us invest as much time into physical activity at age 30, 40, or 50 as we did at age 20? While we tend to blame age, decreased abilities probably relate more to how we prioritize our time.
Cognitive abilities—processing speed, attention, and working memory—also change with age, though accumulated knowledge and expertise can remain stable or even improve. Ergonomics accommodations, such as signage with bolder, bigger print, can help older employees manage these shifts safely and efficiently.
How Aging Impacts Work Performance
Age-related changes at work may include:
- The same repetitive or physically demanding tasks take more of the worker’s capacity
- Recovery after exertion is slower
- Processing speed or multi-tasking capacity may decline
Not surprisingly, performance is driven less by chronological age and more by the fit between job demands and individual capacity (Norton et al., 2025). Ergonomics interventions—like adjustable workstations, task rotation, and proper tools—ensure that employees can continue performing safely and efficiently. Anything that an ergonomist recommends for an older worker will also help, or at least not hinder, younger workers. And remember that abilities across people are highly variable; my 80+ year old dad complains about not having enough strength in his arm to lift a long 2×4 overhead, but I have never had the strength to do that!
Supporting Aging Workers Through Ergonomics and Lifestyle
While we can’t reverse aging, several evidence-based strategies help accommodate natural changes.
- Thoughtful ergonomic design
Adjustable workstations, assistive devices, and workflow adjustments reduce strain and accommodate physical changes, allowing employees to work comfortably (Volkert et al., 2019).
- Physical activity
Regular movement, including cardiovascular and strength training, supports musculoskeletal health and functional capacity. Research confirms that multicomponent exercise programs improve both physical and cognitive performance in older adults, reducing frailty (Luo et al., 2025). Get people moving and active during their workday with a micro-break program!
- Cognitive engagement
Cognitively stimulating tasks combined with movement may help preserve executive function, memory, and attention. Our ergo contests are a great way to promote cognitive challenges to work!
- Nutrition and healthy lifestyle
Balanced nutrition supports metabolic health, muscle maintenance, and cognitive resilience. Howard Luks emphasizes practical lifestyle strategies—including diet, movement, and strength training—that help adults maintain function and independence as they age (Luks, 2022). Combined exercise and diet interventions improve cognition and physical function in older adults.
Practical Takeaways for Employers
- Accommodate aging, don’t stop it: Ergonomics enables safe adaptation to natural changes.
- Address aging from all angles: Combining ergonomics interventions, physical activity, and cognitive engagement maximizes outcomes.
- Focus on function, not age: Adjustments should be tailored to individual capacity and job demands.
By supporting aging employees with evidence-based ergonomics and lifestyle strategies, organizations preserve experience, maintain productivity, and foster a safer, more inclusive workplace.
References
Luks, H. J. (2022). Longevity… Simplified: Living a Longer, Healthier Life Shouldn’t Be Complicated. Hjl20. https://www.howardluksmd.com/books
Luo, Y., Chen, L., & Wang, H. (2025). Physical activity and cognitive performance in adults aged 60+: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Innovative Aging, 9(1), igaf122. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaf122
Norton, B., Smith, R., & Allen, K. (2025). Lifestyle interventions and cognitive function in older adults: Evidence from large cohort studies. JAMA Network Open, 8(5), e2807450. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2807450
Volkert, D., Beck, A. M., Cederholm, T., Cruz-Jentoft, A., Goisser, S., Hooper, L., … Bischoff, S. C. (2019). ESPEN guideline on clinical nutrition and hydration in geriatrics. Clinical Nutrition, 38(1), 10–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2018.05.024