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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2004
For Further Information:
Scott Kramer, Communications Coordinator
(212) 308-1414
skramer@americangeriatrics.org
AGS Expert Cites Health Benefits of Delaying Retirement Washington, DC - Appearing before the Senate Special Committee on Aging today, a member of the board of directors of the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) detailed the benefits of working past standard retirement age for a generation of older adults and reiterated AGS' core message of a nationwide need for more geriatricians to care for them.
Sharon Brangman, MD, told lawmakers of the benefits to society and to individuals, as well as the challenges to employers, brought about by a graying workforce. Despite the presence of chronic illnesses and disabilities, older adults are living longer than ever before and are able to perform skilled labor well into old age. "Technological advances and health breakthroughs mean that the workplace can be adapted so that these individuals can continue gainful employment," she stated.
Opportunities for community involvement, mental stimulation and physical activity and the feelings of self-worth and value that stem from gainful employment have a net positive impact on older adults' physical and psychological well being, according to Brangman.
Citing information featured prominently in "Geriatric Medicine: A Clinical Imperative for an Aging Population," the joint AGS-Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs (ADGAP) report released in April of this year (available at http://www.americangeriatrics.org/WrittenReport.pdf), Brangman told the committee that the U.S. "faces a severe and worsening geriatric workforce shortage" that has larger implications for the American workforce as a whole.
Visit http://www.americangeriatrics.org/policy/AGSaginghrgolderworkers.pdf for a copy of the full testimony.
Founded in 1942, the American Geriatrics Society (www.americangeriatrics.org) is a nationwide, not-for-profit association of geriatrics health care professionals dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of all older people. The Society supports this mission through activities in clinical practice, professional and public education, research and public policy. With an active membership of over 6,700 health care professionals, the Society has become a pivotal force in shaping attitudes, policies and practices in geriatric medicine.
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