Employee health needs a change in approach as the number of those still working over 65 is rapidly increasing AXA PPP Healthcare has said.
The health insurer added that the workforce was currently too unfit to age well, due to poor diet and little exercise.
The Office of National Statistics quarterly employment report has found that those in employment over 65 years old has reached a million for the first time. This is 9.5% of the total population of that age.
The ONS said this was a combination of more people of that age group staying in employment and a growth in that age group as a percentage of the population.
AXA PPP added that it is estimated by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development that by 2020 over a third of the workforce will be aged 50 and over.
Chris Jessop, Managing Director, UK and Europe, AXA PPP healthcare's Health Services division, said: "For businesses, having an older workforce will necessitate a more proactive approach to managing employee health because, at present, too much of the nation's workforce is not fit to age.
"Lifestyle related problems linked to lack of exercise and poor diet are the chief culprits. Without positive intervention, the bottom line could suffer as long term illnesses, commonly occurring in tandem, take an increasing toll on performance and productivity.
"With the number of older workers growing apace, employee health must become a priority and play its rightful part in business continuity management."
