Remote work expands jobs for older adults with disabilities: expert
WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES — Remote work has emerged as a vital solution for older adults with disabilities, allowing them to remain employed longer and more productively.
According to hybrid work consultant Gleb Tsipursky, this shift has turned remote jobs into a form of accessibility that supports workers and businesses alike.
“Remote work eliminates some of the most common obstacles — such as commuting and the physical demands of traditional office environments — that drive individuals out of the labor force,” Tsipursky said, emphasizing that it has “become a game changer” for older individuals with disabilities.
A 2024 study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College confirms that employment among Americans aged 51 to 64 with disabilities now exceeds pre-pandemic levels. Much of this is attributed to remote-capable roles, especially in knowledge-based or administrative sectors.
Economic and social benefits
Telework helps individuals avoid early retirement, sustain income, and reduce reliance on disability benefits like Social Security. This benefits public budgets and eases pressure on families.
Meanwhile, businesses gain access to a larger talent pool and improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics.
Studies back this up. The Disability Health Journal found that after the initial COVID-19 downturn, employment among people with disabilities recovered faster than for non-disabled workers—particularly in telework-friendly jobs.
RTO mandates undermine progress
Despite these gains, return-to-office (RTO) mandates threaten to undo progress. Tsipursky criticized policies like Amazon’s full-time in-office requirement, warning they “seriously endanger employment for older workers with disabilities” and run counter to inclusion goals.
Remote roles are especially crucial for those managing chronic illnesses or mobility issues, offering work-life balance that traditional office environments can’t.
However, not everyone benefits equally—those with little prior experience in telework or who’ve been out of the workforce still face hurdles, highlighting a need for targeted support and training programs.
