Life course and work ability among older adults

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To examine factors associated with perception of work ability in a nationally representative sample of Brazilians aged 50 years and over.METHODS We used data from 8,903 participants of the baseline survey of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI-Brazil). The dependent variable was self-rated work ability (good or very good versus fair, poor, or very poor). Independent variables included factors that operate at the beginning, middle, and current stage of life. Multivariate analysis was based on prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) estimated by Poisson regression.RESULTS Good work ability was reported by 49% of \ participants (49.4% among men and 48.6% among women). Results of the multivariate analysis showed that, for both men and women, good work ability showed positive and statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) with good health up to 15 years of age (PR = 1.22 and 1.18 , respectively), educational level ≥ 8 years (PR = 1.19 and 1.21, respectively), and current good self-rated health (PR = 1.88 and 1.94, respectively). Negative associations were observed for current age (PR = 0.99 for each increase of one year among men and women), medical diagnosis of depression (PR = 0.70 for men and PR = 0.87 for women), and having one or more at least chronic diseases (PR = 0.88 for men and 0.91 for women). Only for men, positive associations for the age at which they started working (PR = 1.14 and 1.12 for 11–17 and ≥ 18 years, respectively) and living with a spouse (PR = 1.09) were found.CONCLUSIONS Work ability in older ages is built over the life course, particularly by the health conditions in childhood and adolescence, age at which men begin working, educational level, and health conditions in older ages. Policies aimed at increasing longevity in the labor market must take these factors into account.

Perceived healthcare discrimination and well-being among older adults in the United States and Brazil

“…For the ELSI-Brazil, participants were asked, “In general, how would you evaluate your health?” The response options were “very good or excellent” (6.5%), “good” (36.0%), “regular” (45.3%), “bad” (7.8%) or “very bad” (4.3%). In line with numerous prior studies using ELSI data, we dichotomized this variable by collapsing the top two categories (“very good or excellent” and “good”) and the bottom three categories (“regular,” “bad,” and “very bad”) ( Castro et al, 2018 ; Castro, Lima-Costa et al, 2020 ; Castro et al, 2020 , Castro et al, 2020 ; Fagundes, Amaral Júnior, Menegazzo, Hugo, & Giordani, 2022 ; Seixas, 2021 ; Seixas & Freitas, 2021 ).…”

Aging at Work: A Review of Recent Trends and Future Directions

“… Work obstacles could not be generalized. Older workers, absence of technological skills, work conditions, work experiences Policy [ 39 ] To investigate factors related to perceived work ability in a sample of Brazilians sample aged 50 years and more Longitudinal study (surveys). Study sample—8903 workers aged 50 years and over.…”

Aging and public health

“…High levels of social inequality are found in the majority of topics investigated, with the poorest or those with lower educational level affected most. Inequalities are observed in physical activity 7 , oral health status 8 , limitations to perform basic activities of daily living 9 , frailty 10 , adequate control of hypertension 11 , underutilization of medications due to financial reasons 12 , source of health care 13 , and capacity to work 14 . Social participation 15 and the fear of falling 16 are associated with the urban environment.…”

“…Differences in the performance of primary care among users of the SUS are found, with a better performance of the Family Health Strategy compared to the traditional basic units 13 . Incapacity to work 14 , as well as the receipt of pensions 22 are associated with worse health conditions. However, people who receive pensions are more autonomous and have more financial security 22 .…”