Opinion | Older workers doing physically demanding work need our help

We read with interest the March 10 Department of Data analysis “Firefighters might have the most demanding job in the country.”

Our colleagues at the National Academy of Social Insurance recently issued a report on older workers in physically demanding positions. We found that more than 10 million American workers age 55 or older work in warehouses or as home health aides, in retail. Many struggle to do this work as they age. Office workers can continue sit-down work despite physical decline because of aging, but not so those who must stoop, lift and stand for hours at a time.

This is a problem that policymakers should consider, especially in light of proposed changes to Social Security programs. The early Social Security benefit is often framed as a choice for claimants. But for workers who are aging out of their careers with few prospects of transitioning to another line of work, taking Social Security before they can maximize their benefits is their only real option.

The article identified firefighting as a physically challenging job; thankfully, most paid firefighters have pensions that recognize that these workers will need to retire well before they reach age 60. Most workers are not so lucky, and struggle to stay afloat until they reach age 62, the earliest they may claim reduced Social Security retirement benefits.

Fortunately, policymakers can help. One option might be a Social Security “bridge benefit” to help this group of workers hold on until their full Social Security retirement age. Everyone deserves to retire with dignity.

William Arnone and Barbara Bovbjerg, Washington

William Arnone is the chief executive officer of the National Academy of Social Insurance.

Barbara Bovbjerg is the chair of the task force on Older Worker’s Retirement Security at the National Academy of Social Insurance.