Older Workers’ Perception of Exoskeletons and the Impacts on their Retirement Intentions

Abstract

Advancing worker assistive technology, such as exoskeletons, has been increasingly implemented in broad workplaces due to its potential to improve worker health and safety, as well as retain and increase productivity, especially among workers with limited physical capabilities and older workers. Exoskeletons available at physically demanding workplaces may enable older workers to have a positive outlook and motivation for their jobs, affecting their retirement attitudes. This study examined how industrial exoskeletons impact older workers’ retirement intentions. Results showed that older workers whose jobs involve physical demands are likely to have increased retirement age expectations and intentions to delay their retirements when knowing that exoskeletons are potentially available to assist them with their jobs. The findings suggest that worker assistive technology has the potential to improve older worker retention in the workforce and contribute to older adults’ health, safety, and well-being.