Gerald is a 61-year-old man who has been working as an engineer for a company for 30 years. His manager is worrying that some of Gerald's general abilities may be declining with age

What would be the most appropriate decision for the company, and why?
a) Create a new position to take advantage of the job expertise and skills Gerald has retained because those skills are still valuable assets.
b) Suggest career retraining because Gerald could learn new skills to go into a developing field.
Consider This: Companies will have to develop new strategies to handle an aging workforce.
LO 7.3: State effects of age-related declines in cognitive abilities, reaction time, physical strength and sensory abilities
c) Offer Gerald early retirement because the decline in skills is likely to happen more quickly over time.
Consider This: Companies will have to develop new strategies to handle an aging workforce.
LO 7.3: State effects of age-related declines in cognitive abilities, reaction time, physical strength and sensory abilities
d) Reduce the job's requirements because Gerald could place someone in danger with his lack of abilities.
Consider This: Companies will have to develop new strategies to handle an aging workforce.
LO 7.3: State effects of age-related declines in cognitive abilities, reaction time, physical strength and sensory abilities

ANS: a