OBJECTIVES: We investigated the 28-year development trajectories of work ability among initially middle-aged male and female municipal employees and the association of perceived mental and physical work strain in midlife by work ability trajectory groups. METHODS: The baseline data of the Finnish longitudinal study of municipal employees (FLAME) were collected in 1981 (N=6257) with follow-ups in 1985, 1992, 1997, and 2009. Work ability was assessed in all the waves as present perceived work ability relative to lifetime best. Altogether, N=2690 had work ability data in 1981 and 2009, and at least for one wave in between these years, and were included in group-based semi-parametric mixture modeling trajectory analyses. Baseline differences in mental and physical work strain according to the work ability trajectories were assessed with MANCOVA (multivariate analysis of covariance). RESULTS: A five-group work ability trajectory model was identified for men and a four-group model for women. For the majority, a linear decline from excellent to moderate or moderate to poor work ability was observed while non-linear trajectories with sudden collapse and, in some cases, modest subsequent recovery of work ability were also observed. Individuals who maintained their work ability on an excellent-to-moderate level throughout the follow-up more often reported low mental and physical work strain in midlife. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of individuals seem to maintain their work ability on a moderate level from midlife to old age. Work strain may have far-reaching negative effects on individuals' work ability from midlife to old age, warranting vigilance in maintaining and promoting work ability throughout the lifespan.
OBJECTIVES: We investigated the 28-year development trajectories of work ability among initially middle-aged male and female municipal employees and the association of perceived mental and physical work strain in midlife by work ability trajectory groups. METHODS: The baseline data of the Finnish longitudinal study of municipal employees (FLAME) were collected in 1981 (N=6257) with follow-ups in 1985, 1992, 1997, and 2009. Work ability was assessed in all the waves as present perceived work ability relative to lifetime best. Altogether, N=2690 had work ability data in 1981 and 2009, and at least for one wave in between these years, and were included in group-based semi-parametric mixture modeling trajectory analyses. Baseline differences in mental and physical work strain according to the work ability trajectories were assessed with MANCOVA (multivariate analysis of covariance). RESULTS: A five-group work ability trajectory model was identified for men and a four-group model for women. For the majority, a linear decline from excellent to moderate or moderate to poor work ability was observed while non-linear trajectories with sudden collapse and, in some cases, modest subsequent recovery of work ability were also observed. Individuals who maintained their work ability on an excellent-to-moderate level throughout the follow-up more often reported low mental and physical work strain in midlife. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial proportion of individuals seem to maintain their work ability on a moderate level from midlife to old age. Work strain may have far-reaching negative effects on individuals' work ability from midlife to old age, warranting vigilance in maintaining and promoting work ability throughout the lifespan.
Authors: Susanne C Tonnon; Suzan R J Robroek; Allard J van der Beek; Alex Burdorf; Hidde P van der Ploeg; Margo Caspers; Karin I Proper Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2019-04-02 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Nina Nevanperä; Jorma Seitsamo; Leena Ala-Mursula; Jouko Remes; Leila Hopsu; Juha Auvinen; Tuija Tammelin; Marjo-Riitta Järvelin; Jaana Laitinen Journal: Int J Behav Med Date: 2016-04
Authors: T Hintsa; A Kouvonen; M McCann; M Jokela; M Elovainio; P Demakakos Journal: J Epidemiol Community Health Date: 2015-01-28 Impact factor: 3.710
Authors: Marluce Rodrigues Godinho; Aldo Pacheco Ferreira; Rosangela Maria Greco; Liliane Reis Teixeira; Maria Teresa Bustamante Teixeira Journal: Rev Lat Am Enfermagem Date: 2016-07-25