Over-65s are recommended to get the flu jab annually by the NHS, to protect against flu and its complicationsThe practice of offering flu jabs at work for the over-65s should be implemented by employers as the working population ages, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).
As the number of people working post age 65 increases, Nice has made a series of recommendations about the health and wellbeing of older employees. It also states that employers need to raise awareness of health issues and signpost people to relevant services “such as free eye tests for people over 60”. Also to be mindful of life events which affect older workers, such as the loss of a spouse.
Studies show that the number of British people aged 65 plus in employment, has soared over the last two decades from 425,000 in 1994 to almost 1.17 million in 2015. And in 2015, 8.2 million employees were aged 50 to 64.
Professor Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive and director of health and social care at Nice, said: “The number of older people in employment is set to increase – people are living longer and will be working well into their 60s and 70s.
“Protecting their health and wellbeing is essential if we are to maintain a healthy and diversified workforce. Our new recommendations will support older employees and help keep them in employment for longer by providing clarity on their needs.
“If their job role changes, the employer needs to support the individual to re-train, as well as accommodating changes in personal circumstance. These recommendations will ensure that an older person can continue working, with their health and wellbeing protected, until their retirement.”
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