Physical work capacity in older adults: Implications for the aging worker

Abstract

Age-associated functional declines and the accompanying risk of work-related injury can be prevented or at least delayed by the practice of regular physical activity. Older workers could optimally pursue their careers until retirement if they continuously maintain their physical training.

Has your work worked you too hard? Physically demanding work and disability in a sample of the older Irish population

“…The results for the complete sample parallel previous findings [8,10,16,30]. Although physically demanding work influences the functional ability experienced in older age, there are other factors involved.…”

“…Gender differences were not found in this present study. However, although nonsignificant, males were less likely to have functional limitations and ADL disability, independent of work type, in accordance with Kenny et al's [10] work. Furthermore, when the data were stratified by gender, looking specifically at females, no difference was seen with work status contrary to our hypothesis.…”

“…It has been previously established that functional limitations are higher in females [10] with scholars revealing poorer recovery rates for women post injury [7]. Gender differences were not found in this present study.…”

“…For example, on the one hand studies find that physical work is linked with injury and reduced mobility [7][8][9]. In addition, after the age of 45, musculoskeletal capacity depreciates at a quicker pace [10] with a poorer outcome for recovery [11]. Conversely, ergonomically orientated studies report that heavy physical work may maintain the physical capacity of the ageing worker.…”

“…Kenny's review of literature pertaining to physical work capacity in older workers revealed that women have a notably higher rate of musculoskeletal injuries when compared to men [10]. Recovery is less frequent in women with fewer females moving from a functional limitation stage into full function again [7].…”