Aging and the Future of Decent Work

Abstract

The United Nations identified decent work and economic growth as a sustainable development goal for 2030. Decent work is a term that sums up aspirations for people in their working lives. One of the factors that influences the achievement of decent work is aging. This article examines how aspects of aging and organizational factors affect work ability across the lifespan and throughout one’s work career. Additionally, the critical issue of worker physical mobility was also addressed as a practical limitation to functional aging. Through our investigation, we identified gaps in the literature where research and interventions should be promoted. These include early disability studies; population dashboards of workers’ health metrics; intervention and cost effectiveness in health promotion and prevention of early functional aging at work; policies for tailoring demands to individual needs and abilities; and inequities of social protection for aging workers.

A 7-Year Study of the Durability of Improvements in Pain, Physical Function, and Work Productivity After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy

“…These findings, which may be explained by weight loss or improved physical function, indicate that modern-day bariatric surgical procedures, on average, improve some aspects of work productivity for at least 7 years. Again, this is an impressive finding giving the countereffect of aging …”

Extending ageing nurses' working lives: A mixed‐methods systematic review

“…This review shows that the high physical and mental burdens facing nursing staff mean that ageing nurses require good work ability. Therefore, employers, organizations and decision‐makers must create healthy work environments that foster decent work for ageing workers (Fischer et al, 2021; ILO, 2018; Ulrich et al, 2019). Indeed, employers should support the work ability of nurses throughout their working careers.…”

Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work

“…As working lives increase in duration, workers will have to adapt advancing technologies and technological requirements to more frequent changes. This will require training and re-skilling [ 97 , 98 ].…”

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