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Work ability and physical fitness among aging workers: the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study

Author

Listed:
  • Kristin Suorsa

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku & Turku University Hospital)

  • Ville-Mikko Mattila

    (University of Turku)

  • Tuija Leskinen

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku & Turku University Hospital)

  • Olli J. Heinonen

    (University of Turku)

  • Jaana Pentti

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku & Turku University Hospital
    University of Helsinki)

  • Jussi Vahtera

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku & Turku University Hospital)

  • Sari Stenholm

    (University of Turku and Turku University Hospital
    University of Turku & Turku University Hospital)

Abstract

Background With advancing age, physical capacity gradually decreases which may lead to decreased work ability, if the physical work requirements remain the same. Examination of the importance of physical fitness for work ability among aging workers will help to find potential strategies to promote work ability in old age. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and work ability among aging workers. Methods Aging workers (n = 288, mean age 62.5, 83% women) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study underwent cardiorespiratory, muscular fitness and functional testing. Work ability was inquired on a scale 0–10 from poor to excellent. Association between physical fitness indicators and work ability was examined using ordinary least squares regression, taking into account age, gender, occupational status, heavy physical work, body mass index and accelerometer-measured daily total physical activity. Results VO2peak, modified push-up test and maximal walking speed were positively associated with work ability (β = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29–0.74, β = 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.66 and β = 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.39, respectively), while chair rise test time was inversely associated with work ability (β = −0.23, 95% CI −0.39–−0.06). No associations were found between hand grip strength or sit-up test and work ability. Conclusions Cardiorespiratory fitness, upper body strength, and lower extremity function were positively associated with work ability. Good physical fitness may help to maintain work ability among aging workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Kristin Suorsa & Ville-Mikko Mattila & Tuija Leskinen & Olli J. Heinonen & Jaana Pentti & Jussi Vahtera & Sari Stenholm, 2022. "Work ability and physical fitness among aging workers: the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study," European Journal of Ageing, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1301-1310, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:eujoag:v:19:y:2022:i:4:d:10.1007_s10433-022-00714-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10433-022-00714-1
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    1. Svetlana Solovieva & Irmeli Pehkonen & Johanna Kausto & Helena Miranda & Rahman Shiri & Timo Kauppinen & Markku Heliövaara & Alex Burdorf & Kirsti Husgafvel-Pursiainen & Eira Viikari-Juntura, 2012. "Development and Validation of a Job Exposure Matrix for Physical Risk Factors in Low Back Pain," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(11), pages 1-7, November.
    2. Yasmín Ezzatvar & Joaquín Calatayud & Lars Louis Andersen & Edgar Ramos Vieira & Rubén López-Bueno & José Casaña, 2021. "Muscular Fitness and Work Ability among Physical Therapists," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-10, February.
    3. Anna Cristina D'Addio & Mark Keese & Edward Whitehouse, 2010. "Population ageing and labour markets," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 26(4), pages 613-635, Winter.
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