Historical and Contemporary Perspectives of Aging in the Work Place Research Paper

Historical and Contemporary Perspectives of Aging in the Work Place - Research Paper Example Such classifications also tend to associate individuals of the same groups with particular characteristics ranging from physical to social characteristics. This inherently leads to different perspectives held by the society concerning aging; and is particularly inherent in the workforce. Individuals of different ages are perceived differently in the workforce and the perceptions significantly vary across history, with the historical perspective of aging differing from the contemporary perspectives (Armstrong-Stassen & Schlosser, 2011). The United Nations indicated that the world’s elderly population exhibits the fastest growth rate ever. The projections indicated that by the year 2050, more than two billion people will be aged 60 and over (Brooke, Taylor, Mcloughlin & Biase, 2012). The aging populations particularly in the workforce have been described by terms such as ‘old age tsunami’ and ‘demographic time bomb’. The apocalyptic language indicates that historically, the elderly population has been small compared to the contemporary society. Those who are 60 and above are hugely talented, have the relevant experience as well as the necessary skills and knowledge. The most likely challenge that will arise in the future will, therefore, be how to maintain and capitalize on the potentiality of this age group without disposing them away in retirement. This has seen efforts by countries such as Germany and France to increase the retirement age to 62 from 60 by 2018 (Brooke, Taylor, Mcl oughlin & Biase, 2012). Historically, the elderly in the workforce have been largely subjected to voluntary or forceful retirement and entrenchment. This was in effort to accommodate the growing youth populations with better talents, skills and knowledge and who have undergone better training and educational courses. In the contemporary society, the then youthful population is now increasingly making up the elderly population. With their essential capacities, the