Aging and the Future of Decent Work

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Gerontology
• Sustainable Development Studies

Background:

• The United Nations designated decent work and economic growth as a 2030 sustainable development goal.
• Aging is a key factor influencing the achievement of decent work and overall worker well-being.
• Understanding the interplay between aging, organizational factors, and work ability is critical for career longevity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how aging aspects and organizational factors influence work ability across the lifespan.
• To address worker physical mobility as a limitation to functional aging in the workplace.
• To identify research and intervention gaps concerning aging workers.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing research on aging, work ability, and organizational factors.
• Exploration of physical mobility as a critical aspect of functional aging.
• Identification of key areas for future research and policy development.

Main Results:

• Aging and organizational factors significantly affect an individual's ability to work throughout their career.
• Worker physical mobility presents a practical challenge to maintaining functional aging.
• Several research and intervention gaps were identified in the literature.

Conclusions:

• Promoting research in early disability studies and population health metrics is essential.
• Interventions for health promotion, cost-effectiveness, and preventing early functional aging require development.
• Policies for tailoring work demands and addressing social protection inequities for aging workers are needed.