Wellness Pays, Especially for Older Workers

Workplace health promotion programs cut average worker health costs by 18 percent, and even more for programs involving older workers.

A study published in the January 2013 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine showed workplace health promotion programs can reduce average worker health costs by 18 percent. Savings are even larger for programs involving older workers, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) reported.

The number of Americans ages 65 and older who are still working topped 7 million during 2012, according to BLS; this study should encourage their employers and their HR managers to roll out wellness initiatives, if they haven't already taken the leap.

Jonathan P. Dugas, Ph.D., and colleagues at The Vitality Group, Chicago, combined data from two major studies to estimate savings from reductions in seven risk factors or medical conditions typically addressed by workplace wellness programs: physical inactivity, low fruit and vegetable intake, smoking, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and alcohol abuse.

"The results suggested that -- if all heightened risk factors could be reduced to their 'theoretical minimums' -- total medical care expenses per person for all working age adults would be reduced by about $650, or approximately 18 percent. The possible savings increased with age: up to 28 percent for older working adults and retirees," according to the ACOEM news release.

Dugas and his co-authors wrote, "The potential savings from workplace wellness programs are still quite large and supportive of widespread interest by employers. Medical care savings from workplace wellness programs will increase with time, given that more eligible wellness program members participate, effective control of heightened risk factors improves, and greater risk reversal can be achieved."

Visit www.joem.org or www.thevitalitygroup.com for more information.

This article originally appeared in the March 2013 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.

About the Author

Jerry Laws is Editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine, which is owned by 1105 Media Inc.

Product Showcase

  • Kestrel® Heat Stress Monitoring System

    Ensure worker safety & regulatory compliance with the Kestrel® Heat Stress Monitoring System from Kestrel®. With real-time remote access to critical data, leaders have the information to make timely decisions preventing workplace heat-related injuries and incidents. The Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker with LiNK connects via Bluetooth to a wall-mounted remote monitoring tablet showing current data. ºStop by ASSP Safety booth #1014. 3

  • Safety Workwear & Footwear Programs

    Safety Workwear & Footwear Programs

    Zappos at Work knows how to keep your team safe by providing workwear and footwear programs, built custom to your business. We offer an unrivaled selection of brands and styles to ensure that your employees look and feel great on the job. You tell us your team’s safety workwear needs, and we build a custom online storefront where your employees can order products from your hand-picked assortment. Orders are shipped directly to your employees, with free and fast shipping, returns, and exchanges on all orders. 3

  • AA

    AA

    A+A—The World’s No 1. Trade Fair with Congress for Safety, Security and Health at Work—is renowned for its wide range of products and international reach, reflecting the status of the industry with the latest technologies and trends. From October 24-27, 2023, A+A will showcase the entire range of products and services for personal and occupational safety at the fairground in Düsseldorf, Germany - from protective items for individual body parts to complex security systems, from occupational medical care to ergonomic workplace design. An international congress will complement the exhibits. 3

Featured

Most   Popular