Assessment of disability and incidence of chronic diseases in employed and unemployed people aged 60–70 years living in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose. This study aimed to compare the level of disability and occurrence of chronic diseases in employed and unemployed people aged 60–70 years living in the society in the southeastern part of Poland (Podkarpackie region). Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study of 1000 randomly selected people (aged 60–70 years) was performed. The World Health Organization disability assessment schedule questionnaire and a metric questionnaire were used. Results. Only 9.20% of people were employed, more often men and those with tertiary/vocational education. The level of disability was significantly lower in employed people than in unemployed people (p = 0.023). There were significant differences in favor of employed people concerning mobility (p < 0.001), participation in social life (p = 0.002), ability to perform normal household activities (p = 0.006) and self-service activities (p = 0.026). Unemployed people showed increased times of incapacity for their usual activities/work compared to employed people. Conclusions. In Poland, people aged 60–70 years who remain in the labor market have lower levels of disability, fewer chronic diseases, tertiary education (or vocational education) and higher income levels than those who are unemployed.