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Age and the subjective experience of shiftwork
Journal of Human Ergology
|October 21, 2003
Summary
Older shiftworkers experience more fatigue and less job satisfaction than younger counterparts. Age may reduce shiftwork tolerance, but lifestyle factors complicate definitive conclusions.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Chronobiology
- Psychology
Background:
- Increasing numbers of shiftworkers over 45 present a growing concern.
- Distinguishing age-related effects from lifestyle and job demands in shiftwork is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in shiftwork tolerance and adjustment.
- To explore how aging impacts shiftworkers' well-being and performance.
Main Methods:
- 306 police officers were divided into three age groups (20-32.9, 33-39.9, 40+).
- Multivariate analysis of covariance controlled for shiftwork experience and individual differences.
- Shiftwork-related measures assessed attitudes, adjustment, satisfaction, fatigue, sleep, morningness, and caffeine intake.
Main Results:
- Younger officers reported better attitudes, adjustment to night shifts, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, lower fatigue, and longer sleep durations.
- Older shiftworkers exhibited higher morningness, lower sleep need, and increased caffeine intake.
- Findings suggest a potential link between age and reduced shiftwork tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Age may be associated with diminished shiftwork tolerance.
- Further research is needed to disentangle the impacts of aging, lifestyle, behavior, and work specifics on shiftwork adaptation.