Decline In Work Ability Research Articles

Work ability trends 2000-2020 and birth-cohort projections until 2040 in Finland.

Aims: To examine age-group and birth-cohort trends in perceived work ability in Finland in 2000-2020 and make projections of perceived work ability up to 2040 based on the observed birth-cohort development. Methods: Ten population-representative cross-sectional surveys conducted in Finland between 2000 and 2020 were used (overall N = 61,087, range 817-18,956). Self-reported estimates of current work ability in relation to the person's lifetime best on a scale from zero to ten (0-10) were classified into three groups: limited (0-5), intermediate (6-7), and good (8-10). Multiple imputation was used in projecting work ability. Results: Examining past trends by 5-year birth-cohorts born between 1961 and 1995 showed that work ability has declined steadily over time among older birth-cohorts, while in the two younger cohorts a stable development before 2017 and a steep decline between 2017 and 2020 was seen. Trends by 5-year age groups showed a declining trend of good work ability among 20-44-year-olds, a stable trend among 45-54-year-olds, and an improving trend among 55-year-olds and older was observed for the period 2000-2020. Among the under 55-year-olds the prevalence of good work ability ended up around 75% and at 68% among the 55-59-year-olds, 58% among the 60-69-year-olds and 49% among the 70-74-year-olds in 2020. Birth-cohort projections suggested a declining work ability in the future among all age groups included (30-74 years). By 2040, the prevalence of good work ability is projected to decline by 10 to 15 percentage points among 45-74-year-olds. Conclusions: The projections suggest declining work ability in the future. Efforts to counteract the decline in work ability are needed.

Work ability trends 2000-2020 and projections until 2040 in Finland

Abstract Background Population in Europe and throughout the world is ageing rapidly. Projections of the work ability of the working-age population are of importance for policy makers to prepare for future challenges. The aim of this study is to examine age-group and birth-cohort trends in perceived work ability in Finland in 2000-2020 and make projections of work ability up to 2040 based on the observed birth-cohort development. Methods We used a series of population representative cross-sectional surveys conducted in Finland 2000-2020, i.e. the Health 2000 Survey, the Regional Health and Wellbeing Study 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, FinHealth 2017 and FinSote 2018 and 2020. Self-reported estimates of current work ability in relation to the person's lifetime best on a scale from zero to ten were used, scores 8-10 indicating good work ability. For projecting work ability multiple imputation was used (R package mice). Results Trends (2000-2020) by 5-year birth-cohorts born between 1961 and 1995 showed that work ability has declined over time among older birth-cohorts while in the two younger cohorts a stable development before 2017 and a steep decline between 2017 and 2020 was observed. Trends by 5-year age-groups showed a declining trend of good work ability among 20-44-year-olds, a stable trend among 45-54-year-olds and an improving trend among over 55-year-olds. Among the under 55-year-olds the prevalence of good work ability ended up around 75% and at 68% among the 55-59-year-olds, 58% among the 60-69-year-olds and 49% among the 70-74-year-olds in 2020. Birth-cohort projections suggest a declining work ability among 30-74-year-olds in the future. By 2040, the prevalence of good work ability is projected to decline 10-15%−points among 45-74-year-olds. Conclusions The decreasing work ability seen in younger age groups and the declining projections until 2040 are highly concerning. Efforts to counteract the projected decline in work ability are needed. Key messages • The observed decline in perceived work ability in younger age groups and the projected decline in the prevalence of good work ability among the middle aged and older are concerning. • Efforts to counteract the projected decline in work ability are urgently needed.

Evaluation of rheological and mechanical properties of hot and warm mix asphalt mixtures containing Electric Arc Furnace Slag using gyratory compactor

Workability and compactability are two key rheological properties of asphalt mixtures with direct impacts on pavement construction costs. These properties can be estimated by laboratory testing using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC). The compaction curves obtained from SGC can offer a general assessment of the workability, compactability, and even mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures. The most widely used workability and compactability indicators derived from these curves are the Workability Index (WI), Compaction Energy Index (CEI), Traffic Densification Index (TDI), and the slope of the semi-logarithmic compaction curve (k). In this study, these indicators were used to examine the workability, compactability, and mechanical properties of hot and warm mix asphalt (HMA and WMA) mixtures containing different amounts of Sasobit (0, 1.5, and 3%) and Electric Arc Furnace Slag or EAFS (0, 25, 50 and 75%) with two aggregate gradations (upper limit and middle range of Iran Highway Asphalt Paving Code No. 234). The results showed a decline in workability and compactability with the increase in EAFS content and also with the introduction of 1.5% Sasobit which was respectively caused by the high surface roughness of EAFS materials and the lack of sufficient workability by 1.5% sasobit at the mixing and compaction temperatures. However, the compactability of HMA mixtures with 3% Sasobit was comparable to that of HMA mixtures. Given the correlation between TDI and rutting resistance, experiential TDI values were used to develop a regression model for Flow Number (FN) estimation. The analysis of the variance of experimental results showed the significance of changes observed in the indicators. The study's findings demonstrated that, due to the high surface roughness of EAFS materials, the amount of additive and mixing and compaction temperatures should be chosen in accordance with the mixture's required workability and compactability. The TDI index can also be used to approximate the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures during the initial stages of preparing laboratory specimens.

The Effect of Healthy Lifestyle Changes on Work Ability and Mental Health Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The effects of lifestyle interventions on the prevention of a decline in work ability and mental health are not well known. The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to examine the effects of healthy lifestyle changes on work ability, sleep, and mental health. Methods: Workers aged 18–65 years, who were free from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and malignant diseases, and did not use medication for obesity or lipids were included (N = 319). Based on their cholesterol balance, participants were classified into medium-risk and high-risk groups and were randomized into four arms: group lifestyle coaching (N = 107), individual lifestyle coaching (N = 53), the control group for group coaching (N = 106), and the control group for individual coaching (N = 53). The intervention groups received eight sessions of mostly remote coaching for 8 weeks about healthy diet, physical activity, other lifestyle habits, and sources/management of stress and sleep problems, and the control groups received no intervention. In individual coaching, the coach focused more on individual problem solving and the possibilities for motivation and change. The intention-to-treat principle was applied, and missing data on the outcomes were imputed using multiple imputation. Results: After the completion of the intervention, the risk of depressive symptoms was lower by 53% (95% CI 1–77%) in participants who received individual lifestyle coaching compared with the control group. The intervention had no beneficial effects on anxiety, work ability, sleep duration, or daily stress. In subgroup analyses, group lifestyle coaching had beneficial effects on depressive symptoms and work ability in participants with less tight schedules or less stretching work, whereas individual lifestyle coaching lowered the risk of depressive symptoms in those with fewer overlapping jobs, less tight schedules, or less stretching work. Conclusion: Short but intensive remote lifestyle coaching can reduce depressive symptoms and improve work ability, and time-related resources at work may improve mental health in the context of individual lifestyle intervention. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the findings.

Temporal changes in self-reported sleep quality, sleep duration and sleep medication use in relation to temporal changes in quality of life and work ability over a 1-year period among Finnish municipal employees.

In this prospective follow-up study, we aimed to examine whether changes in self-reported sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep medication use are temporally associated with changes in quality of life and work ability in municipal employees when several confounding factors are considered. The study was conducted in Finland among 637 municipal employees (88% women, mean [SD] age 48[10]years) in 2014 and 2015. Information about the participants was collected by self-administered questionnaire and from medical history. Predicting variables were changes in self-reported sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep medication use. Outcome variables were changes in the EUROHIS-QOL eight-item index and the Work Ability Score. Improved or unchanged sleep quality compared to worse sleep quality were associated with a preferable change in quality of life (both p < 0.001). No change in sleep duration compared to a decrease and no change in sleep medication use compared to increased use were also associated with favourable changes in quality of life. Increased use of sleep medication was associated with a decline in work ability, and the change in Work Ability Score also differed significantly between improved and worsened sleep quality. In this study, changes in sleep were widely associated with changes in quality of life and work ability of municipal employees. Programmes aiming for better sleep health would probably be beneficial both from a health-oriented and an economical point of view. Special attention should be paid to employees with a need for sleep medication.

Adjusted productivity costs of stroke by human capital and friction cost methods: a Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study

BackgroundProductivity costs result from loss of paid and unpaid work and replacements due to morbidity and mortality. They are usually assessed in health economic evaluations with human capital method (HCM) or friction cost method (FCM). The methodology for estimating lost productivity is an area of considerable debate.ObjectiveTo compare traditional and adjusted HCM and FCM productivity cost estimates among young stroke patients.MethodsThe Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 was followed until the age of 50 to identify all 339 stroke patients whose productivity costs were estimated with traditional, occupation-specific and adjusted HCM and FCM models by using detailed, national register-based data on care, disability, mortality, education, taxation and labour market.ResultsCompared to traditional HCM, taking into account occupational class, national unemployment rate, disability-free life expectancy and decline in work ability, the productivity cost estimate decreased by a third, from €255,960 to €166,050. When traditional FCM was adjusted for occupational class and national unemployment rate, the estimate more than doubled from €3,040 to €7,020. HCM was more sensitive to adjustments for discount rate and wage growth rate than FCM.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of adjustments of HCM and FCM. Routine register-based data can be used for accurate productivity cost estimates of health shocks.

Work Ability among Upper-Secondary School Teachers: Examining the Role of Burnout, Sense of Coherence, and Work-Related and Lifestyle Factors

Maintaining and promoting teachers’ work ability is essential for increasing productivity and preventing early exit from the teaching profession. This study aimed to identify the predictors of work ability among upper-secondary school teachers and examine the mediating role of burnout. A large and diverse group of Czech upper-secondary school teachers was surveyed to address this goal. The sample comprised 531 upper-secondary school teachers (50.0 ± 9.94 years, 19.9 ± 10.62 in the teaching profession, 57.6% females). Relatively greater empirical support was found for the effects of burnout, sense of coherence, work–life balance, and perceived relationships in the school environment on work ability than for the impact of age, homeroom teacher duties, workload, and caring for elderly relatives. Furthermore, burnout served as an important mediator of the relationship between sense of coherence and work ability. Teachers with a higher sense of coherence are thus better able to cope with adverse work circumstances and identify and mobilize internal and external resources to prevent professional exhaustion and the subsequent decline in work ability. The study can guide interventions on the work ability of teachers.

Influence of nano TiO2 on strength and durability properties of geopolymer concrete

Geopolymer concrete (GPC) is treated as an ecologically pure construction material because cement is completely retrieved by pozzolanic materials that are abundant in alumina and silica. GPC is actuated with alkaline liquids to begin as a binder in concrete. Geopolymer concrete evince many outstanding properties just as rapid strength, less shrinkage, and less creep, better resistance against sulphate and chloride attacks. The current review is to explore the effect of nano titanium dioxide (nano-TiO 2 ) on fly ash based geopolymer concrete (FAGPC) with oven curing at 60 0 c for 48 hrs. As an initial study, GPC with 10 M was carried out for dissimilar ratios of sodium silicate (Na 2 SiO 3 ) to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solutions between 1.5 and 3.5. Out of all mixes, alkaline activator ratio harmonize to the highest compressive strength was ascertained at 2.5. This ratio was kept constant for further study in GPC carried out by replacing fly ash with nano TiO 2 between 1% and 5%. For all mixes of GPC with and without nano titanium dioxide, mechanical and durability properties were observed and evaluated. The test results depict that, percentage increase of nano TiO 2 , gives rise to decline in workability and improves strength properties of concrete. The maximum strength enrichment was noticed when 5% of nano-TiO 2 was incorporated in GPC. As percentage of nano TiO 2 hiked in GPC, the results of RCPT, Water absorption and Sorptivity decreased. All these GPC specimens are immersed individually in 5% magnesium sulphate and 5% sodium chloride to know the resistance of geopolymer concrete against sulphate and chloride attacks. Results of this study concluded that increase in nano TiO 2 percentage gives better performance against sulphate and chloride solutions. Change in microstructure and mineral phases of reference geopolymer concrete samples and maximum strength obtained geopolymer concrete samples containing nano TiO 2 was investigated using SEM and XRD analyses.

B-75 A Preliminary Investigation of Predictors of Employment and Perception of Ability to Work in Combat-Exposed Veterans

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to evaluate whether perception of one’s ability to work (a subjective rating) predicts employment status (an objective marker of functioning) in a sample of combat-exposed Veterans, and (2) to examine predictors of employment status and perception of work ability to determine whether the same sets of variables that predict employment status also predict perception of one’s ability to work. Method Combat-exposed Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans (N = 83) completed self-report questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, combat-related experiences, and psychiatric and neurobehavioral/health-related symptoms. Veterans also underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Primary outcomes of interest were employment status (unemployed versus employed) and Veterans’ rating of a perceived decline in work ability (yes versus no). Results Logistic regression analyses showed that perception of work ability significantly predicted employment status (p = .046). Moreover, psychiatric and neurobehavioral/health-related symptoms significantly predicted employment status and perception of work ability (p = .001-.017), whereas demographic characteristics (i.e., service-connection disability rating) and combat-related experiences (i.e., number of traumatic brain injuries) only predicted perception of work ability (p = .010-.029). Cognition was not significantly associated with employment status or perception of work ability (p’s &gt; .05). Conclusions Altogether, these findings support the notion that perception of one’s ability to work plays an important role in employment-related outcomes in combat-exposed Veterans. Future studies using larger samples are needed to confirm these findings, but our preliminary results suggest that perception of work ability may be a particularly important treatment target in this population.

Properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with recycled tire rubber aggregate: A comprehensive study

Abstract Disposal of massive scrap tires in an eco-friendly way has become a worldwide concern due to the booming automobile industry. The introduction of waste tire rubber particles into concrete as an alternative aggregate provides a promising way to solve the problem. It is noteworthy that the substitute of natural aggregates with rubber particles can mitigate environmental destruction and resource consumption caused by mining activities of natural aggregates. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to evaluate both fresh and hardened properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with recycled tire rubber aggregate (RA), aiming at providing fundamental insight of its performance for the potential large-scale applications. Results show that the addition of RA leads to a slight decline in workability and an increase in air content of fresh SCC. Increasing RA content results in the improvement of the damping ratio, fracture energy and ductility index while a loss of compressive strength and dynamic modulus. SCC with RA also presents high strain rate sensitivity and toughness index under impact load, indicating improved impact resistance. In addition, use of RA enables SCC to achieve low water absorption and high resistance to chloride ion penetration. From the above, this study provides a comprehensive investigation of the clean and effective utilization of recycled tire rubber in concrete.

Evaluation of the Work Ability of workers in the furniture sector of a city in the south of Brazil

Abstract The aging of the workforce is a phenomenon that the world population is facing. Researchers at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health have developed a tool for assessing the work ability, an instrument through which it is possible to identify the existence of early functional aging among a certain group of workers. The present study measured the Work Capability Index (WAI) of workers from 5 small furniture companies in a city in southern Brazil. It was possible to notice that with the increase of age, the average WAI of the workers was smaller, although there was no statistical significance (p&gt; 0.05), by the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. The variables “civil status”, “current schooling” and “education” presented statistical significance (p &lt;0.05), being possible to associate these variables with the decline in work ability. The results showed that only 13.6% of workers have a low or moderate work ability. For 86.4%, the results showed good or excellent indices, and in these cases, actions must be taken that can maintain and improve the work ability.

Slowed or Sidelined? The Effect of 'Normal' Cognitive Decline on Job Performance Among the Elderly

This paper examines the relationship between age-related cognitive decline and three potential workplace outcomes: 1) coping with increased job difficulty; 2) shifting to a less cognitively demanding job; and 3) retiring early. It uses data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the O*NET database. Critical components of the analysis are the metric used to measure cognitive decline, inclusion of cognitive reserve as an independent variable, and the use of overlapping 10-year observation windows. A key limitation is that the study cannot conclusively discern a causal relationship between cognitive decline and workforce exit.The paper found that: About 10 percent of workers between the ages of 55 and 69 experienced steep cognitive decline over a 10-year period. Workers experiencing steep cognitive decline were more likely to “downshift” to a less demanding job or retire than workers experiencing no cognitive decline. Workers experiencing steep cognitive decline retired significantly earlier than planned, compared to workers who experienced no change in cognitive ability. Workers without cognitive reserves were more likely to exit the workforce and retire earlier than planned, compared to workers with cognitive reserves. The policy implications of the findings are: Cognitive decline might prevent a significant minority of older individuals from working to their planned retirement ages, and thus should be considered when assessing reforms that incent delayed retirement. Policies that support “downshifting” to a cognitively less demanding job might help workers at risk of steep cognitive decline to remain in the labor force. Further research is needed to identify whether workers in specific occupations are more susceptible to age-related decline than others, and whether anything can be done to moderate the effect of age-related decline in work ability.

Multi‐site pain and working conditions as predictors of work ability in a 4‐year follow‐up among food industry employees

We investigated the separate and joint effects of multi-site musculoskeletal pain and physical and psychosocial exposures at work on future work ability. A survey was conducted among employees of a Finnish food industry company in 2005 (n = 1201) and a follow-up survey in 2009 (n = 734). Information on self-assessed work ability (current work ability on a scale from 0 to 10; 7 = poor work ability), multi-site musculoskeletal pain (pain in at least two anatomical areas of four), leisure-time physical activity, body mass index and physical and psychosocial exposures was obtained by questionnaire. The separate and joint effects of multi-site pain and work exposures on work ability at follow-up, among subjects with good work ability at baseline, were assessed by logistic regression, and p-values for the interaction derived. Compared with subjects with neither multi-site pain nor adverse work exposure, multi-site pain at baseline increased the risk of poor work ability at follow-up, allowing for age, gender, occupational class, body mass index and leisure-time physical activity. The separate effects of the work exposures on work ability were somewhat smaller than those of multi-site pain. Multi-site pain had an interactive effect with work environment and awkward postures, such that no association of multi-site pain with poor work ability was seen when work environment was poor or awkward postures present. The decline in work ability connected with multi-site pain was not increased by exposure to adverse physical or psychosocial factors at work.

Risk Factors and Prevalence of Declined Work Ability among Dairy Farmers

Farm work, particularly with livestock, exposes farmers to injuries, occupational diseases, and disabling health conditions, which in many cases result in early retirement and loss of quality of life. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for declined work ability among full-time dairy farmers. We conducted a postal survey using the standard Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire augmented with a form containing questions about working conditions and lifestyle factors that potentially affect work ability. We received 399 usable responses (245 female and 154 male; 41.5% response rate). The prevalence of declined work ability (poor or moderate WAI score) was 39% overall, 44% among females, and 32% among males. Older age, small herd size, lack of mental breaks from work, inadequate leisure, and non-use of alcohol were significantly associated with declined work ability. The odds ratios for these risk factors ranged from 2.04 to 4.67. Current injuries and diseases are part of the WAI questionnaire contributing to declined work ability. This study indicates that interventions are needed, particularly among older farmers and farmers with injuries or diseases, to restore their work ability. Life-long measures to maintain work ability are also important, preventing the steep decline in work ability currently occurring among older farmers. Based on this study, we recommend guidance addressing the identified risk factors, particularly the importance of organizing both farm and domestic work with adequate rest, leisure time, and mental breaks as counterbalance to the daily workload among livestock farmers.

Age Changes in Subjective Work Ability

This article explores the influence of psychosocial work environment on age-related subjective changes in work ability and discusses differences between work ability and job performance. The results show age and physical health to be strong predictors of subjective decline in work ability. The age effect is independent of age-associated declining health. It is not clear what it is about age that produces the subjective decline in work ability. While primary age changes may produce decline, stereotypes and self-stereotypes about ageing may also be important. Among psychosocial factors, options for learning and problems at work are robust predictors of subjective changes in work ability. One practical consequence is to ensure learning opportunities for workers, even for workers approaching retirement age. By giving learning opportunities to senior workers, subjective work ability may be maintained, and competence acquired through learning may in a direct way support stability or improvements in job performance.

Investigating the work ability of older employees

Designing work tasks and work environments that are appropriate for aging employees has become a growing area of interest in the United States and many European countries. Demographic indicators suggest a significant increase in the number of older employees composing the future working population. Research indicates that most workers experience a decline in work ability as they age if no measures for maintaining work ability are taken (Ilmarinen, 1995). However, to evaluate characteristics of this decline in the work ability of older workers, age-related changes in performance capabilities must be identified. Therefore, the work ability index developed by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health was used to assess the work ability of university employees. Reference values listed in the work ability index compiled from an extensive Finnish follow-up study were used to compare the work ability of university employees who ranged from 50 to 55 years of age. Work ability values of the university employees were slightly higher than the reference values developed from previous research studies.