Aging and Organizational Strategies

On a recent Talking Benefits podcast episode, I sat down with Dr. Tyler Amell, an internationally recognized thought leader and keynote speaker on the topic of workplace health and productivity. Speaking on the topic of aging, he was a presenter at the Wellness Alliance’s recent Well-Being at Work virtual conference. Aging is fascinating because it impacts us both personally and professionally—as individuals and as employers and plan sponsors—highlighting the vital role workplaces play in supporting employees and plan participants.

But First, SCIENCE

According to Dr. Amell, aging is vital to our development as people and something we all experience, no matter our social, political or financial background. We’ve been experiencing aging since birth, and we’re going to continue experiencing aging until the moment we pass away. A solid understanding of the science and evidence behind the aging process can help people age in the healthiest way possible.

In this episode, we cover some interesting data points surrounding aging, including life expectancy, life and health spans, and risk factors for aging and death as well as how to modify them. Dr. Amell discussed how examining this data can help answer questions about making lifestyle changes now to reduce long-term risk and improve both lifespan and health span.

The Body

This fact blew my mind: Instead of a gradual, linear process, aging actually progresses drastically at distinct points in our chronological age: around age 44 and 60. This has direct applications for us, because if we know when we need to pay particular attention, we can be more prepared for the aging changes that occur rapidly over these periods.

The Brain

Beyond the physical effects of aging, brain changes also play a critical role. According to Dr. Amell, healthy brain aging relies on strengthening neural connections and increasing brain volume. This is achieved through regular exercise and quality sleep (as if we needed another reason to sleep and exercise!).

The People

After focusing on the body and the brain, Dr. Amell shared a study about relationships and described how the close relationships people have can make or break their well-being in the long term. “Putting a smile on somebody else’s face doesn’t cost you anything. And what it can do is really augment your own sense of self-worth and ability to age happily and healthily within that context,” said Dr. Amell.

What Now?

Once we understand the data and effects of aging on our bodies, brains and relationships, what can we do about it to help ourselves as well as support the plan participants and employees, organizations and communities we serve?

Dr. Amell said at the organizational level—whether you’re a plan sponsor, administrator or employer—it’s important to think of your workplace as a community. In that community, some people need a lot of support to improve their health, while others just need help maintaining the positive habits they already have.

Much of it comes down to understanding where each person is on their health journey and providing the right kind of support. That often means helping people build or maintain healthy habits, including regular exercise, good sleep and balanced routines. For some, it’s about starting that journey; for others, it’s about staying on track.

The benefits a plan offers—such as PTO, mental health support and preventive care—can either reinforce or undermine a culture of health. The goal is to build a benefits strategy that truly supports well-being, both physically and mentally. That includes making sure leadership sets the tone by modeling and encouraging healthy behavior.

We concluded the podcast with one last thought from Dr. Amell: It’s important to meet people where they are, help them get ready for change, set goals and feel supported by their workplace community. Ultimately, organizations that invest in health-promoting benefits and a supportive culture will help their people thrive—wherever they are in the aging process.

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  Anne Patterson

  Associate Director, PR and Communications

  International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans

  Favorite Foundation Product: Foundation Community. It’s like LinkedIn but only for Foundation members. They can post questions, share best practices, etc—all with fellow members who also live and breathe employee benefits. 

  Benefits-related Topics That Interest Her Most: Mental health, diversity, equity and inclusion, behavioral decision making, family-forming benefits, payroll audits. 

  Personal Insight: When she’s not busy keeping up with her two little ones, Anne finds joy in home renovation and décor, haiku writing, watching Jeopardy, crafting charcuterie boards, and bicycling.