The ageing workforce: A health issue?

Abstract

Considers whether similarities between age groups outweigh the differences, with respect to health affected at work.Due to demographic changes, the average age of the working population in the UK is rising. Research shows that physicaland mental ability changes with age.There are small differences between the age groups considering their reportedill health across occupations and industries. Workers in administrative professions and sales and customerservice occupations are less likely to be affected by work than their overall share in the workforce would suggest. Olderemployees who are working long hours are less likely to report negative effects on their health than other employees orthan the share of employees working these hours. Overall, the data and literature show that similarities betweenthe age groups with respect to their health being affected by work outweigh the differences. Economic & Labour Market Review (2007) 1, 30–35; doi:10.1057/palgrave.elmr.1410026