Workers Age 55 and over Working with Pain. A Descriptive Interpretive Study

Purpose In most industrialized countries, the share of workers in the age 55+ age group is increasing while there is a shortage of young workers. Although data suggest that at least one in five older workers suffers from chronic musculoskeletal pain, most will continue working despite pain. The objective of this study is to explore factors associated with staying at work for workers with musculoskeletal pain. Methods An interpretive descriptive method was used. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. Inclusion criteria were: manual/mixed occupations, persistent musculoskeletal pain, and working 28 h weekly or more. Analysis was performed using themes from the conceptual model created. Results Fourteen participants were included, ages 55-70. They ranged from self-employed individuals to employees of large organizations. For most, the perception of being useful, having peer recognition and feeling that work contributes to health were essential drivers for staying at work. Flexibility at work was deemed essential by all but took various forms. Individual cost of staying at work varied from low to high. Conclusion This study identified both personal and work-related factors associated with working in the presence of pain. New concept of cost of staying at work appears promising.