Influence Work Ability Research Articles

Work-Related Muscluskeletal Disorders and Work Ability Among Hospital Employees in Southeast of Iran

Background: The Work Ability Index (WAI) evaluates how well workers cope with the physical and mental demands of their jobs. Objectives: This study aims to explore how demographic factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) influence work ability among employees at the largest specialized hospital in southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the largest specialized hospital in Zahedan. A sample of 194 clinical staff and support personnel, including nurses, nursing assistants, patient transporters, and cleaning staff, were randomly selected through a stratified random sampling method. Work ability and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed using the Persian versions of the WAI and Cornell Questionnaires. Quantitative data were presented as mean ± SD, while qualitative data were expressed as numbers and percentages. Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and one- and multi-factor General Linear Models were used for data analysis in SPSS version 19. Results: Work ability decreased with age (P < 0.001). Significant associations were found between work ability and age, job category, education, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, job, education, and BMI, lower back pain (P = 0.002), thigh pain (P = 0.004), and knee pain (P = 0.026) were significantly linked to work ability. There was a notable negative correlation between work ability and discomfort score (r = -0.337, P < 0.001), with nursing assistants reporting higher discomfort scores compared to nurses, cleaning staff, and patient transporters (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential link between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work ability. Therefore, it is recommended to implement a program focused on identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with MSDs.

The Impact of Education and Training, and Self-Efficacy on Employee Performance with Work Ability as an Intervening Variable

This study examines the impact of education training and self-efficacy on employee performance at the Directorate General of Sea Transportation Office in Merauke. The research aims to determine how these factors influence work ability and employee performance. Using a quantitative approach, the findings reveal that education, training, and self-efficacy positively and significantly affect work ability and employee performance. Additionally, work ability mediates these relationships. The study implies that organizations should invest in structured training programs and self-efficacy development to enhance employee performance. Further research should consider other factors that influence job motivation and work environment.

Understanding Work Ability in Employees with Pain and Stress-Related Ill-Health: An Explorative Network Analysis of Individual Characteristics and Psychosocial Work Environment.

There is a wide range of individual and work environment factors that influence work ability among workers with pain and stress-related ill-health. The multiple interactions and overlap between these factors are insufficiently understood, and a network approach could mitigate limitations of previous research. This pilot study aimed to explore interactions between individual characteristics and psychosocial work environment and potential links to long-term work ability. Prospective data from a prevention project was used. Individuals (N = 147) with pain and/or stress-related ill-health (95% women) at public sector workplaces filled out baseline questionnaires about a collection of individual and work environment factors, which were used for constructing undirected networks. The model was run in three subsamples of workplaces. Finally, a separate model was established with work ability at 6-month follow-up as outcome variable. A shortest pathway analysis was calculated to identify mediators of work ability. Symptom catastrophizing and perceived stress were the most influential factors in all network models. Symptom catastrophizing and pain-disability risk were found to mediate the relation between perceived stress and long-term work ability. Further, demand-control-support factors were interrelated, and patterns of interaction differed between different types of workplaces. The findings support the importance of individual factors, specifically symptom catastrophizing in an individual's coping with pain or stress-problems and its influence on long-term work ability. Catastrophizing might play a role in stress-related disorders which should be further investigated. Individual and work environment factors interact and vary across context, which needs to be taken into consideration to prevent pain and stress-related ill-health at work.

Evaluation of Deaf Employees' Work Ability on Cognitive, Affective and Psychomotor Aspects in a Cigarette Factory PT. Cakra Guna Cipta Malang Regency

Special Schools are formal institutions that are responsible for the quality of human resources for deaf people so that they can be accepted in the job market, especially labor-intensive industries. The learning process is expected to produce quality human resources in cognitive, affective and psychomotor aspects that influence work ability. This work ability will have an impact on the level of satisfaction of the company that employs them. This research aims to evaluate the work abilities of deaf people in cognitive, affective and psychomotor aspects. This research uses a qualitative exploratory case study methodology with an instrumental case study research design type. The research results prove that deaf employees who work at the Cakra Cigarette Factory must be able to communicate both orally and in writing. They generally have low literacy skills, poor receptive and expressive communication skills, resulting in a lack of understanding of the work contract text. In terms of discipline, they are much more disciplined than normal employees. Socially, they are able to establish good relationships with fellow colleagues. In terms of work skills, deaf employees have higher productivity than normal employees.

PENGARUH KEMAMPUAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI DI PT. BPR MITRA TELAGASARI UTAMA KARAWANG

In this study there are two variables, namely Variable X (Work Ability) and Variable Y (Performance). This research was conducted to determine the workability of PT. BPR Mitra Telagasari Utama Karawang, Employee Performance at PT. BPR Mitra Telagasari Utama Karawang.The method used in this study is descriptive analysis method to discuss the formulation of the problem how the work ability of employees at PT. BPR Mitra Telagasari Utama Karawang and Work Discipline at PT. BPR Mitra Telagasari Utama Karawang, and verification analysis to discuss the formulation of the problem how much influence Workability has on Employee Performance at PT. BPR Mitra Telagasari Utama Karawang. The data used are primary and secondary data collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires (questionnaires) and literature. The hypothesis of this research is that there is an effect of Work Ability on Employee Performance at PT. BPR Mitra Telagasari Utama Karawang. To measure the magnitude of the effect of these variables, Simple Linear Regression and Correlation Coefficients and Coefficients of Determination were used with the help of the IBM SPSS application program.Based on the results of data analysis using statistical methods, namely Simple Linear Regression, the Coefficient of Determination (KD) of 3.41. Based on these results, it can be concluded that work ability has an effect on employee performance at PT. BPR Mitra Telagasari Utama Karawang.Keywords: Workability and Performance

Association between mobile work and work ability: a longitudinal study under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveThis study examines the effect of mobile work on work ability as direct predictor and as factor moderating workplace stressors and resources. Originally, the study focused on the effects of mobile work on work ability in a mobile test group compared to office workers. As the study period of 1 year collided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, we can now explore the association of mobile work and work ability before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis longitudinal, exploratory study took place in a medium-sized company in the social insurance sector in Germany. We used a mixed-methods design (online survey and focus group interviews) with two survey dates 1 year apart (T0: summer/autumn 2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic), T1: summer 2020 (during COVID-19 pandemic, after first strict lockdown)). Quantitative data, which are reported here, were collected by means of an online questionnaire, which includes questions on mobile work and validated measures for work-related stressors and resources and work ability. Non-parametric tests, regression analysis, and logistic regression models were used for data analysis.ResultsThe linked data set of both survey dates includes N = 102 persons (men: 37%, mean age: 41–50 years). Interestingly, we found an improvement in work ability over the course of the study (p = 0.007), although it included the first and most drastic COVID-19 restrictions in Germany. Before the pandemic, correlations between work ability and work-related stressors (e.g., work–privacy conflicts) and resources (e.g., sense of community) were evident. Some of these factors are moderated by mobile work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile work was identified as independent factor for work ability. In addition, technology competence conviction gained importance as a personal resource in our cohort.ConclusionsWork ability can be influenced by many factors. Our study, which allowed for a comparison of work ability before and during COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that mobile work can be especially helpful to maintain work ability in times of change. Our findings support the notion that—under normal conditions—mobile work can influence work ability via work-related stressors and resources. In times of changes, it can have an independent effect on work ability. It must be assumed that the effects can be highly individual or context-specific.

Combining supervised and unsupervised named entity recognition to detect psychosocial risk factors in occupational health checks

IntroductionIn occupational health checks the information about psychosocial risk factors, which influence work ability, is documented in free text. Early detection of psychosocial risk factors helps occupational health care to choose the right and targeted interventions to maintain work capacity. In this study the aim was to evaluate if we can automate the recognition of these psychosocial risk factors in occupational health check electronic records with natural language processing (NLP). Materials and methodsWe compared supervised and unsupervised named entity recognition (NER) to detect psychosocial risk factors from health checks’ documentation. Occupational health nurses have done these records. ResultsBoth methods found over 60% of psychosocial risk factors from the records. However, the combination of BERT-NER (supervised NER) and QExp (query expansion/paraphrasing) seems to be more suitable. In both methods the most (correct) risk factors were found in the work environment and equipment category. ConclusionThis study showed that it was possible to detect risk factors automatically from free-text documentation of health checks. It is possible to develop a text mining tool to automate the detection of psychosocial risk factors at an early stage.

Psychosocial risk factors and work capacity in health professionals

Abstract Background Modern societies put enormous pressure on workers by putting their health at risk. Psychosocial risks are considered those related to the conception, organization and management of work, social and environmental factors, which can cause psychological, social or physical damage to the worker and the work capacity expresses the generic evaluation of a worker's productive capacities, worker's health, and their psychological resources. Important factor for maintaining a working life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between work ability and exposure to psychosocial risk factors in health professionals. Methods The sample consisted of 309 primary health care professionals, and validated instruments were applied to assess the Work Ability Index (WAI) and psychosocial risks in the work contexts (COPSOQ). Results It was found that female professionals are more exposed to psychosocial risk factors: Offensive Behaviors and Quantitative Requirements (P < 0.05). Mental and physical demands influence work ability (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between psychosocial risk factors and work ability in 11 COPSOQ subscales. Conclusions Thus, it is pertinent to evaluate and manage psychosocial risks and to take measures that enable a positive combination between psychosocial characteristics and individual resources, in order to minimize psychosocial risks and situations of vulnerability in health professionals.

The Importance of Lifestyle Factors for Work Ability among Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, sedentarism, low physical activity levels, and overweight are associated with poor health, and they can potentially influence work ability. However, it remains unknown which lifestyle habits are associated with work ability among physical therapists (PTs). The aim of this study was to examine the associations between smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, sitting time, and physical activity levels with work ability among PTs utilizing a nationwide questionnaire. Associations were modeled using logistic regression controlled for various confounders. Overweight, sitting >150 min/day, and <75 min/week of leisure-time vigorous physical activity were associated with lower work ability among PTs. Further, the existence of two unhealthy habits showed a weak-to-moderate positive association with lower work ability scores (Model 1: OR, 2.21, 95% CI = 1.16–4.22; Model 2: OR, 2.32, 95% CI, 1.18–4.54), with even stronger associations when three unhealthy habits (Model 1: OR = 3.30, 95% CI, 1.58–6.86; Model 2: OR, 3.34, 95% CI, 1.54–7.26) or four unhealthy habits (Model 1: OR = 8.91, 95% CI, 2.55–31.1; Model 2: OR = 8.20, 95% CI, 2.15–31.2) were present. In conclusion, overweight, low physical activity, and sedentarism were associated with lower levels of work ability, especially when ≥2 unhealthy lifestyle factors were present.

Influence of Obesity on Work Ability, Respiratory Symptoms, and Lung Function in Adults with Asthma

Background: Asthma is defined by variable respiratory symptoms and lung function, and may influence work ability. Similarly, obesity may contribute to respiratory symptoms, affect lung function, and reduce work ability. Thus, assessment of the influence of obesity on work ability, respiratory symptoms, and lung function in adults with asthma is needed. Objectives: We hypothesized that patients with obesity and asthma have more respiratory symptoms and reduced work ability and lung function compared with normal-weight patients with asthma. Methods: We examined 626 participants with physician-diagnosed asthma, aged 18–52 years, recruited from a cross-sectional general population study using a comprehensive questionnaire including work ability score, the asthma control test (ACT), height and weight, and spirometry with reversibility testing. Results: Participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² (i.e., obese) had a higher symptom score (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.14–2.80), current use of asthma medication (1.60, 1.05–2.46), and incidence of ACT scores ≤19 (poor asthma control) (1.81, 1.03–3.18) than participants with BMI ≤24.9 kg/m² (i.e., normal weight). Post-bronchodilator forced vital capacity (FVC) as a percentage of predicted (β coefficient –4.5) and pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s as a percentage of predicted (FEV₁) (β coefficient –4.6) were negatively associated with BMI ≥30 kg/m². We found no statistically significant association of BMI >30 kg/m² (compared to BMI <24.9 kg/m²) with sick leave (1.21, 0.75–1.70) or reduced work ability (1.23, 0.74–2.04). Conclusions: There were indications that patients with obesity had a higher symptom burden, poorer asthma control, higher consumption of asthma medication, and reduced lung function, in particular for FVC, compared with normal-weight patients.

Interpreting Subjective and Objective Measures of Job Resources: The Importance of Sociodemographic Context.

Salutary retirement policy depends on a clear understanding of factors in the workplace that contribute to work ability at older ages. Research in occupational health typically uses either self-reported or objective ratings of the work environment to assess workplace determinants of health and work ability. This study assessed whether individual characteristics and work-related demands were differentially associated with (1) self-reported ratings of job resources from older workers in the Health and Retirement Study, and (2) corresponding objective ratings of job resources from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). Results from regression and relative weights analyses showed that self-reported ratings were associated with self-reported job demands and personal resources, whereas corresponding O*NET ratings were associated with differences in gender, race, or socioeconomic standing. As a result, subjective ratings may not capture important aspects of aging workers’ sociodemographic background that influence work ability, occupational sorting, opportunities for advancement, and ultimately the job resources available to them. Future studies should consider including both subjective and objective measures to capture individual and societal level processes that drive the relationship between work, health, and aging.

The relationship between workplace characteristics and work ability in residential aged care: What is the role of work-life interaction?

To examine whether the work-life interface (through work-family conflict and overall work-life balance) moderates the relationship between work ability and workplace demands and resources. This study used a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from 426 employees working in residential aged care. A paper-based questionnaire was distributed to all permanent and casual employees at eight aged care facilities in Melbourne, Australia, between June - September 2013. Moderation analyses were conducted using PROCESS v. 2.13 in SPSS v. 22. As expected, workplace demands and resources directly influenced workers' work ability. In addition, moderate-to-high levels of work-family conflict and low-to-moderate levels of satisfaction with work-life balance combined interactively with particular workplace demands and resources (relationships with management, physical demands, and safety climate) to reduce work ability. This study advances understanding of how work-life balance and work-life conflict can influence work ability levels and shows that addressing the work-life interface may be a legitimate means to improve work ability, potentially leading to continued workforce participation. Staff retention in the residential aged care sector needs to be addressed. One possible means of achieving this is through improving work ability. This study expanded knowledge of how the work-life interface may influence work ability. The research demonstrated that relationships between work ability and particular workplace demands and resources were moderated by the work-life interface. This finding has implications for how human resources managers of residential aged care facilities may improve workforce retention-through facilitating employees to manage the work-life interface better.

Work Ability and Employment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Muscle Strength and Lower Extremity Function.

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the association between muscle strength, lower extremity function, employment status, and work ability in RA patients. Methods One hundred seropositive RA outpatients of working age were included in this cross-sectional study. Employment status was assessed by interview and work ability by the Work Ability Index-Single Item Scale (WAS). Muscle strength was determined using dynamometer measurement of isometric hand grip and knee extensor strength. Lower extremity function was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Regression models estimate the association between unemployment, work ability and muscle strength, and lower extremity function, controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Results Forty-one percent of the RA patients were not gainfully employed, and their median work ability had a good WAS value (7.00 [4.00-7.00]). Patients with better knee extensor strength (OR=1.07, 95% CI [1.02-1.12) and better physical performance (OR=1.71, 95% CI [1.18-2.49]) had a significantly better chance of gainful employment. The odds for hand grip strength remained significant when adjusted for sociodemographic (OR=1.5, 95% CI [1.00-1.09]), but not for disease-specific variables. Better hand grip strength (β=0.25, p=0.039) and better knee extensor strength (β=0.45, p=0.001) as well as better lower extremity function (SPPB) (β=0.51, p<0.001) remained significantly associated with work ability following adjustment for sociodemographic and disease-specific variables. Conclusions The association of employment status and work ability with parameters of physical fitness suggests that improvement in muscle strength and lower extremity function may positively influence work ability and employment in individuals with RA.

Effects on work ability, job strain and quality of life of monitoring depression using a self-assessment instrument in recurrent general practitioner consultations: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND:Depression reduces individuals’ function and work ability and is associated with both frequent and long-term sickness absence.OBJECTIVE:Investigate if monitoring of depression course using a self-assessment instrument in recurrent general practitioner (GP) consultations leads to improved work ability, decreased job strain, and quality of life among primary care patients.METHODS:Primary care patients n = 183, who worked. In addition to regular treatment (control group), intervention patients received evaluation and monitoring and used the MADRS-S depression scale during GP visit at baseline and at visits 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Work ability, quality of life and job strain were outcome measures.RESULTS:Depression symptoms decreased in all patients. Significantly steeper increase of WAI at 3 months in the intervention group. Social support was perceived high in a significantly higher frequency in intervention group compared to control group.CONCLUSIONS:Monitoring of depression course using a self-assessment instrument in recurrent GP consultations seems to lead to improved self-assessed work ability and increased high social support, but not to reduced job strain or increased quality of life compared to TAU. Future studies concerning rehabilitative efforts that seek to influence work ability probably also should include more active interventions at the workplace.

Work Ability in Fibromyalgia: An Update in the 21st Century.

Background:Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by persistent widespread pain, in-creased pain sensitivity and tenderness. People with FM also report activity limitations and impaired work ability.Objective:This article aims to compile the findings of recently published research on work ability in people with fibromyalgia, and to present how work ability is influenced by various aspects.Methods:A systematic search of the literature published from the year 2000 and onwards was con-ducted. Thirtyfour articles were included in the review.Result:Symptom severity was found to influence work ability in people with FM. Physically de-manding jobs and work tasks were especially troublesome and were reported to constitute higher risks pof work disability. Working people with FM seemed to hold a careful balancing act to manage the risk of overload where well-functioning strategies such as making a career change, working part-time, and developing personal skills were necessary for managing work, in the short- and long term. The support of management and colleagues enabled people with FM to manage the risk of overload at work. Treatment studies evaluating work disability as outcome in FM are scarce. None of the includ-ed studies presented any effects on measures of sick-leave or work disability compared with a control group.Conclusion:More studies of treatment effects on outcomes related to work ability in people with FM, and more longitudinal studies to explore long-term effects of symptoms on work ability and sick leave, are needed in order to be able to plan evidence based rehabilitation to improve or maintain work ability in people with FM

Associations between common diseases and work ability and sick leave among health care workers

PurposeThis study investigates whether common diseases, i.e., musculoskeletal diseases (MSD), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), mental disorders (MD), and respiratory diseases (RD), influence work ability and sick leave and whether lifestyle-related factors, and psychosocial and physical work-related factors are associated with low work ability and sick leave.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study among 8364 Dutch health care employees, self-reported information was acquired concerning common diseases, lifestyle-related factors, psychosocial and physical work-related factors, work ability, and sick leave. Logistic regression analyses were performed to describe the associations between common diseases with low work ability and sick leave, and to evaluate differences in associations between lifestyle-related and work-related factors with low work ability and sick leave among healthy employees and employees with common diseases.ResultsEmployees with MD (OR 6.35), CVD (OR 2.63), MSD (OR 2.62), and RD (OR 2.11) had a higher risk of low work ability compared to healthy employees. Workers with common diseases also reported more often sick leave (ORs > 1.60), in particular long-term sick leave (>25 days). Multimorbidity increased both the occurrence of low work ability and sick leave. Unfavourable psychosocial work-related factors were associated with low work ability and sick leave regardless of health status. Physical work-related factors and lifestyle factors were less consistently associated with low work ability and sick leave.ConclusionsCommon diseases, and foremost mental disorders, were related to both low work ability and sick leave. To maintain or improve work ability and prevent sick leave, interventions that promote a healthy psychosocial work environment are needed.

Stressors influence work ability in different age groups of nursing professionals: 2-year follow-up.

Work stressors influence work ability - WA - and increasing age is associated with functional aging. We sought to establish whether work stressors differentially influence WA in young and aging nursing professionals. A cohort (2009-2011) composed of 304 workers at a hospital in Sao Paulo responded questionnaires Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI), Job Stress Scale (JSS), Work-Related Activities That May Contribute To Job-Related Pain and/or Injury (WRAPI) and Work Ability Index (WAI). Changes in perceived exposure to stressors in each age group (< 45 and ≥ 45 years old) were compared to delta-WAI (difference between initial and final WAI score) by means of the Mann-Whitney test. There was a worsening in WAI (p = 0.609) without difference between the groups. WA impairment was associated with intensification of stressors ERI (p = 0.004), overcommitment (p = 0.002), social support (p = 0.014) and WRAPI (p = 0.004) among the younger workers, but with poorer ERI (p = 0.047) only among the older ones. While among the younger workers WA was influenced by the intensification of various stressors, in the case of the older ones it was influenced by effort-reward imbalance only, indicating that interventions should be differentiated according to age groups.

PENGARUH KEMAMPUAN KERJA DAN MOTIVASI KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI DI BADAN KESATUAN BANGSA DAN POLITIK KOTA SEMARANG

Problems in this study were less than optimal performance of employees at the Badan Kesatuan Bangsa Dan Politik Kota Semarang. The purpose of this study was to determine how much influence the work ability and work motivation on employee performance. This study uses a quantitative research with respondents a number of 33 employees are all employees of Badan Kesatuan Bangsa Dan Politik Kota Semarang. The sampling technique used is the technique of the census. The analytical tool used in this study is the Rank Correlation Coefficient Kendall, Kendall Konkordasi coefficient, and the coefficient of determination. Results from this study indicate that there is a positive and significant influence between the variables of work ability (X1) with employee performance (Y) with correlation coefficient 0.335 amounting to KD 2.741 at 11.22%; there is a positive and significant influence between the variables of work motivation (X2) with employee performance (Y) with correlation coefficient 0,331 and with a KD of 10.95%; and there are two variables influence work ability and work motivation on employee performance amounted to KD 69.12 by 29.16%. The conclusion from this study is that the performance of employees in the Badan Kesatuan Bangsa Dan Politik Kota Semarang has been good, the ability to work in the Badan Kesatuan Bangsa Dan Politik Kota Semarang has been good, and motivation to work in the Badan Kesatuan Bangsa Dan Politik Kota Semarang is good. The advice given is conducting training to all employees, inculcate discipline, reward and punishment, inculcate cooperation, and more diffuse leaders to subordinates.

A cohort study of psychosocial work stressors on work ability among Brazilian hospital workers.

Hospital work is characterized by stressors that can influence work ability. The present study aims to assess the association between psychosocial work stressors and changes in work ability in a group of Brazilian hospital employees. From 1,022 workers included in a 3-year cohort started in 2009, 423 (41.4%) returned the applied questionnaires in 2012. Changes in work ability were considered as the dependent variable and the investigated psychosocial work stressors as independent variables. Logistic regression models adjusted for potential con-founders (demographic, occupational features, social support, overcommitment, and situations liable to cause pain/injury). High levels of exposure to psychosocial work stressors were significantly associated with decreased work ability: job strain (OR = 2.81), effort-reward imbalance (OR = 3.21). Strategies to reduce psychosocial work stressors should be considered to maintain hospital employees' work ability. Such strategies have implications for institutional and social policies and might be included in quality management programs.

The Electrophysiology of Cognitive Aging

The demographic change leads to an increase of older persons in all societies world-wide. Even healthy aging is accompanied by a variety of motivational, emotional, sensory, psychomotor, and cognitive changes (e.g., Grady, 2008; Salthouse, 1976; Schaie & Gribbin, 1975), which influence work ability and everyday life activities. Ageaccompanying cognitive changes are extremely different among the older population, resulting in very poor, equivalent, or even better performance as in younger persons. Such variability among the older population often result from compensatory mechanisms as activated by the ‘‘good’’ older performers (e.g., Getzmann, 2012). Cognitive abilities in elderly are influenced by multiple factors, such as genetics (e.g., Gajewski, Hengstler, Golka, Falkenstein, & Beste, 2013), education (Stern, 2012) lifestyle (Chan, Yan, & Payne, 2013; Getzmann, Falkenstein, & Gajewski, 2013) and work conditions (Gajewski, Wild-Wall, Schapkin, Erdmann, Freude, & Falkenstein, 2010; Marquie, Duarte, Bessi res, Dalm, Gentil, & Ruidavets, 2010). Age-related cognitive changes are not always seen in overt behavior, since older subjects very often initiate compensatory mechanisms (e.g., Zcllig & Eschen, 2009). Such mechanisms can exist on a macroscopic, usually conscious, level (e.g., in driving more slowly or avoiding difficult traffic situations) or on a microscopic, process-related and usually unconscious, level (e.g., by increasing attention or preparation). One way to elucidate age-related compensation mechanisms is the use of neuroscientific methods and techniques. Such methods can shed more light on the source(s) of age-related cognitive changes per se (e.g., Grady, 2008), or on compensation mechanisms at the process level (e.g., Alperin, Mott, Rentz, Holcomb, & Daffner, 2014; Wiegand, Tcllner, Dyrholm, M ller, Bundesen, & Finke, 2014; Wild-Wall, Hahn, & Falkenstein, 2011). In the field of human neurosciences, the main methods are electroencephalography (EEG), with the analysis of oscillatory activity in distinct frequency bands (e.g., Bornas et al., 2013; Gilmore & Fein, 2013; Knyazev, SlobodskojPlusnin, Yu, & Bocharov, 2012), coherence/correlation between locations (e.g., Blum, Lutz, & J ncke, 2007), and in particular event-related potentials (ERPs; e.g., Berti & W hr, 2012; Blom, Wiering, & Van der Lubbe, 2012; Boksem, Kostermans, Tops, & De Cremer, 2012, Sulykos, Kecsk s-Kov cs, & Czigler, 2013; Wronka & Walentowska, 2014), structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI; e.g., Eyler, Sherzai, Kaup, & Jeste, 2011; Fjell & Walhovd, 2010), and more recently near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS; e.g., Fabiani, Gordon, Maclin, Pearson, Brumback-Peltz, Low, McAuley, Sutton, Kramer, & Gratton, 2014). Finally, genetic methods are increasingly important and show the profound influence of genetic variations on cognition in elderly (Gajewski, Hengstler, Golka, Falkenstein, & Beste, 2013; Getzmann, Gajewski, Hengstler, Falkenstein, & Beste, 2013). All those methods have been used in addition to behavioral and neuropsychological methods. Because of their miniature technical equipment and minimum intrusivity, EEG/ERP methods are particularly useful in applied research, such as in exposure chambers (Juran, van Thriel, Kleinbeck, Sch per, Falkenstein, Iregren, & Johanson, 2013), in driving simulators (Kostermans, Spijkerman, Engels, Bekkering, & de Bruijn, 2013), or in clinical research (e.g., Carozzo, Martinoli, & Sannita, 2014). While all those methods have their pros and cons, electroencephalography, and event-related potentials are particularly suitable for elderly and old participants. In comparison to the heavy and somehow threatening character of the fMRI method for elderly, EEG electrodes and caps are only minimum intrusive and hence well tolerated by elderly. The disadvantage of the EEG method, its relatively poor spatial resolution, can be overcome by the use of sophisticated source analysis methods (e.g., Debener, Hine, Bleeck, & Eyles, 2008). Despite the clear advantage of the EEG/ERP method it has been less used in aging research than the fMRI method. However, there is a slowly rising world-wide tendency to recognize the potential of the method in aging research (e.g., Bender, Bluschke, Dippel, Rupp, Weisbrod, & Thomas, 2014; Getzmann, 2012; Kopp,