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In Latvia because of increased health problems caused by physical load, interventions with ergonomics solutions at the workplaces are necessary, improving not only working conditions, but also work abilities, especially for older workers. For the ergonomics risk assessments were carried out using such methods as: Key Indicator Method (KIM), and the Work Ability Index (WAI). Inquiry data showed that workers in all age groups complain about discomfort or pain in the back, legs and hands. Assessing physical workload during operations of lifting or moving heavy loads, it was stated that the assemblers and loaders in elderly groups were exposed to most severe loads corresponding with the high KIM risk degree IV, but sawyers - middle risk degree II-III. The establishment of new technologies for workplaces and ergonomic aids (pneumatic and automatic lifting, etc.) remarkably decrease the KIM risk degree- down to I -II, especially for older workers. WAI analysis demonstrates differences within age group before and after the ergonomics interventions. In order to successfully retain employment and work abilities of older workers the improvement of manufacturing process by implementing ergonomic solutions is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]