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

Niels-Peter Brøchner Nygaard, Gert Frank Thomsen, Jesper Rasmussen, Lars Rauff Skadhauge and Bibi Gram
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Niels-Peter Brøchner Nygaard: Research Unit of Health Science, Hospital of South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
Gert Frank Thomsen: Department of Occupational Medicine, Hospital of South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
Jesper Rasmussen: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Lars Rauff Skadhauge: Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
Bibi Gram: Research Unit of Health Science, Hospital of South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-15

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.

Keywords: work demands; ergonomic exposure; aging; musculoskeletal pain (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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