Workability in the Ageing Workforce-A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Niels-Peter Brøchner Nygaard,Bibi Gram,Jesper Rasmussen,Lars Rauff Skadhauge,Gert Frank Thomsen

doi:10.3390/ijerph182312656

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of age, musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic exposure on workability in the oldest group of workers. Methods: The study was a population based cross-sectional survey. The study population comprised citizens born between 1952–1966, living in Esbjerg municipality ultimo 2016 (n = 23,463). A questionnaire was sent electronically or by mail. The analysis included the working population only. A stereotype logistic regression was used with the primary dependent variable being workability and independent variables included age, musculoskeletal pain, and ergonomic exposure. Results: The response rate was 58% and the data demonstrated a significant negative association between age and workability. With excellent workability as a reference, the odds for poor workability increased by 97% being 60+ y compared to 50–55 y. Both moderate intensity and severe musculoskeletal pain in the back, shoulder and knee/hip all showed significantly higher odds for poor workability. Ergonomic exposures, such as standing/walking, working with back bent or twisted and carrying or lifting had a significant negative impact on workability. Conclusion: Age, musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic exposures showed a significant negative impact on workability in the oldest group of workers and should be targeted with preventive initiatives.

Highlights

The size and composition of the workforce has changed dramatically in recent decades [1].The increased proportion of the population above 55 years combined with increased retirement age to meet socioeconomic demands, might have unforeseen consequences for the workability in this age group [2]
23,780 citizens at age 50–64 were identified in the Municipality of Esbjerg in December 2016 and among these, 21,808 had a valid eBoks and received a web-based questionnaire (Figure 1)
The stereotype logistic regression model used in the present study allowed for a comparison between different workability groups and demonstrated that important changes occurred across all groups, with a significant decrease from excellent workability to a concomitant increase in good, moderate and poor workability

Summary

Introduction

The size and composition of the workforce has changed dramatically in recent decades [1].The increased proportion of the population above 55 years combined with increased retirement age to meet socioeconomic demands, might have unforeseen consequences for the workability in this age group [2]. There is, a need for increased focus on individuals’ capacity to cope with various job exposures as individuals age and on its consequences for individuals’ workability and health. This would allow clinicians within occupational medicine to better diagnose and treat patients in an already challenging domain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of age, musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic exposure on workability in the oldest group of workers. A stereotype logistic regression was used with the primary dependent variable being workability and independent variables included age, musculoskeletal pain, and ergonomic exposure. Results: The response rate was 58% and the data demonstrated a significant negative association between age and workability

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion