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Work strain in midlife and 28-year work ability trajectories.
Monika E von Bonsdorff1, Katja Kokko, Jorma Seitsamo
1Gerontology Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, PO Box 35-Viveca, FI-40014 University of Jyväskylä, Finland. monika.bonsdorff@jyu.fi
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|June 23, 2011
Summary
This study tracked work ability over 28 years, finding that sustained moderate work ability is common. Low work strain in midlife is linked to maintaining good work ability long-term.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Gerontology
- Longitudinal Studies
Background:
- Work ability is crucial for maintaining employment and quality of life.
- Understanding long-term work ability trajectories is essential for public health and occupational policies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine 28-year work ability development trajectories in middle-aged municipal employees.
- To investigate the association between midlife work strain (mental and physical) and work ability trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Finnish Longitudinal Study of Municipal Employees (FLAME) from 1981 to 2009.
- Employed group-based semi-parametric mixture modeling for trajectory analysis (N=2690).
- Assessed baseline mental and physical work strain using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Main Results:
- Identified distinct work ability trajectories for men (5 groups) and women (4 groups).
- Observed linear declines and non-linear patterns including sudden collapses and partial recovery in work ability.
- Individuals maintaining excellent-to-moderate work ability reported lower midlife work strain.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of individuals maintain moderate work ability from midlife into older age.
- Work strain in midlife can have lasting negative impacts on work ability.
- Proactive maintenance and promotion of work ability throughout the lifespan are warranted.
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