t is becoming more common in the U.S. workforce that persons are maintaining employment longer for both personal and financial reasons. Americans over the age of 55 account for 22% of the nation's job growth and represent 18 million persons in the workforce. (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000). As the baby-boom generation moves toward retirement age and as health care advances continue, more individuals are choosing to continue to engage in full and part time work activities. The value of work as a source of personal identity and reward, remains a strong component of many aging person's lives. (Szymanski, Ryan, Merz, Trevino & Johnston-Rodriguez, 1996).

As a result of persons remaining in the workforce, the opportunity for greater occurrences of traumatic and disease related disabilities exist. Fortunately, advances in medicine and rehabilitation, have made living and working with a disability a greater possibility. Aging with a disability has been described as one of the most important new developments in rehabilitation. (Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, 2001). The purpose of this article is to identify some of the key issues affecting older persons with late-onset disabilities (post age 55) and to offer some recommendations for rehabilitation professionals to facilitate maximum adjustment to employment and other important life areas.

Psychosocial Adjustment