Yoram Braw,

Ariel University, 

Ariel, Israel,

E-mail: yoramb@ariel.ac.il

A CALL FOR ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC POLICY FOR MITIGATING THE EFFECTS OF DEMENTIA ON MODERN WORKPLACES

Erez Cohen,

Ariel University, 

Ariel, Israel,

E-mail: erez@ariel.ac.il

Yael Brender-Ilan,

Ariel University, 

Ariel, Israel,

E-mail: yaelb@ariel.ac.il

Idit Sohlberg,

Ariel University, 

Ariel, Israel,

E-mail: aditso@ariel.ac.il

Abstract. The rise in life expectancy leads to a steady increase in the number employees with neurodegenerative disorders (i.e., dementia) and progressively declining vocational functioning. In the current paper, we describe these changes at the labor market and the challenges they entail. We point towards the key issues that should be taken into consideration when establishing policies for the aging labor market. These include implementing procedures for the early diagnosis of employees with dementias, educating employers regarding dementia and assisting employees already diagnosed with this and other disorders. These solutions will benefit both employees and the workplace overall, as well as decrease misconceptions about aging and dementia. These solutions are thereby to transform the work environment to be more responsive to the needs of employees with declining vocational functioning.

Received: September, 2017

1st Revision: December, 2017

Accepted: January, 2018

DOI: 10.14254/2071-789X.2018/11-1/11

JEL Classification: I18, J08, J18

Keywords: Longevity; Dementia; Employment; Work; Labor; Public Policy