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

Author

Listed:
  • Niels-Peter Brøchner Nygaard

    (Research Unit of Health Science, Hospital of South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
    Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, 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
    Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark)

  • Lars Rauff Skadhauge

    (Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
    Department of Occupational Medicine, Hospital of South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark)

  • Bibi Gram

    (Research Unit of Health Science, Hospital of South West Jutland, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
    Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Niels-Peter Brøchner Nygaard & Gert Frank Thomsen & Jesper Rasmussen & Lars Rauff Skadhauge & Bibi Gram, 2021. "Workability in the Ageing Workforce—A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:23:p:12656-:d:692358
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zwerling, C. & Sprince, N.L. & Wallace, R.B. & Davis, C.S. & Whitten, P. & Heeringa, S.G., 1996. "Risk factors for occupational injuries among older workers: An analysis of the health and retirement study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 86(9), pages 1306-1309.
    2. Lars L Andersen & Thomas Clausen & Hermann Burr & Andreas Holtermann, 2012. "Threshold of Musculoskeletal Pain Intensity for Increased Risk of Long-Term Sickness Absence among Female Healthcare Workers in Eldercare," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(7), pages 1-6, July.
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    1. Teeraphun Kaewdok & Saowanee Norkaew & Sanpatchaya Sirisawasd & Nattagorn Choochouy, 2022. "Factors Influencing Work Ability among the Working-Age Population in Singburi Province, Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-10, May.

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