Ageing, computer-based task performance, and stress: issues and challenges

An emerging problem that encompasses both traditional ergonomic as well as macroergonomic concerns involves assessing the potential implications of computer-based tasks for older workers. An increasing older workforce and the influx of computer technology into a wide variety of work settings has motivated both a re-examination of the literature concerning ageing and work performance and research that more directly addresses the computer-interactive task domain. In this paper, we overview this literature and raise a number of crucial issues concerning potential age differences in performance and stress associated with computer-based tasks. Underlying our discussion throughout is the intention of identifying the challenges that await interested practitioners and researchers.