Abstract
Population aging is an ever-increasing social problem in developed countries. The elderly population is increasing; however the birth rate is declining. The Industry faces a serious shortage of labor force, but elderly care and were fare assistance tax a significant burden to the society. The demographic experts call it "silver tsunami". This silver tsunami is gradually spreading and deepening. Taiwan has not only been in the threat of this tsunami, but will also be driven to a far more extend, because the birth rate is highly declined. As a consequence, Taiwan will face serious labor shortage problem soon, therefore, the development of the aging workers is increasingly important. Although, the elderly is physically and psychologically disadvantageous, they are more experienced and stable. Make good use of the elderly will be a probable mean to solve the labor shortage and social burden effectively. This study aims to assess the elderly's physical and psychological ability limits to match the works by modifying operation demands and redesigning of workplace. Incorporating the two methods in assessing the work abilities of the elderly and work demands proposed by Finland and Germany, and the ergonomic workplace improvement technology which we developed in our lab, this study has devised two evaluation forms and one improvement plan worksheet. These forms and worksheet has been tested on 2 elderly workers in a machine repairing shop. The result shows that these forms and worksheet are quite suitable in assessing the match between their personal ability and work demand. These elderly workers were quite appreciated to the improved workplace re-design. Nevertheless, it is suggested that the forms are too lengthy and tedious (quote "we do not have much time left"); they should be abridged or shortened. The result of this study cast a little light on the implementing of job redesign in constructing a healthy and safe working environment for the elderly. It seems to be quite promising, that the elderly is able to continue contribute their ability to the industry and elderly care and were fare assistance can be lessened.