Psychosocial working conditions across working life may predict late-life physical function: a follow-up cohort study
2019 (English)In: BMC Public Health, E-ISSN 1471-2458, Vol. 19, no 1, article id 1125
Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Sustainable development
Sustainable Development
Abstract [en]
BACKGROUND: Increasing life expectancy has made understanding the mechanisms underlying late-life health and function more important. We set out to investigate whether trajectories of change in psychosocial working conditions are associated with late-life physical function.
METHODS: Two Swedish surveys, linked at the individual level, were used (n = 803). A psychosocial job exposure matrix was used to measure psychosocial working conditions during people's first occupation, as well as their occupation every five years thereafter until baseline in 1991. Physical function was measured in 2014. Random effects growth curve models were used to calculate intraindividual trajectories of working conditions. Predictors of physical function were assessed with ordered logistic regression.
RESULTS: A more active job at baseline was associated with increased odds of late-life physical function (OR 1.15, CI 1.01-1.32). Higher baseline job strain was associated with decreased odds of late-life physical function (OR 0.75, CI 0.59-0.96). A high initial level followed by an upward trajectory of job strain throughout working life was associated with decreased odds of late-life physical function (OR 0.32, CI 0.17-0.58).
CONCLUSIONS: Promoting a healthier workplace by reducing chronic stress and inducing intellectual stimulation, control, and personal growth may contribute to better late-life physical function.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
BioMed Central, 2019. Vol. 19, no 1, article id 1125
Keywords [en]
Cohort, Job control, Life course, Mobility limitations, Sweden, Work-related stress
National Category
Gerontology, specialising in Medical and Health Sciences Work Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-46361DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7473-yISI: 000481797300003PubMedID: 31419956Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-85070911774Local ID: GOA HHJ 2019;HHJARNISOAI: oai:DiVA.org:hj-46361DiVA, id: diva2:1354653
2019-09-252019-09-252023-08-28Bibliographically approved