Managing older workers: a digital human modelling proactive design approach

Managing the ageing workforce is a real challenge in many parts of the world; especially in developed na-tions like UK, USA, Australia and Japan. There is a need to accommodate experienced and skilled older workers in today’s competitive and challenging working environments. A Digital Human Modelling (DHM) approach has already been successfully used for the early assessment of working environments, systems or products so that more productive and safe working environments might be ensured. Similarly, a validation of working scenarios for ageing workers can be useful in addressing the design needs of old-er workers so that mismatches between job demands and working capabilities can be minimized. This pa-per proposes the use of a ‘proactive digital human modelling approach’ to satisfy this demand. Address-ing the challenges faced by older workers can potentially increase the productive life of an older workforce which might be a contribution to the national and global economy.