Many older workers have physically demanding jobs: Share of workers with physical demands at work by age, 2018
| Age | Prime-age workers (35–49) | Older workers (50–70) |
|---|---|---|
| Any physical demand | 55.5% | 50.3% |
| Carrying or moving heavy loads | 43.3% | 36.1% |
| Lifting or moving people | 21.5% | 15.6% |
| Tiring or painful positions | 44.1% | 36.9% |
Note: Workers were asked whether their main paid job involved carrying or moving heavy loads, lifting or moving people, or working in tiring or painful positions a quarter of the time or more.
Source: Author’s analysis of 2018 American Working Conditions Survey microdata (RAND Corporation 2018).