Developing occupational health services for active age management.

AIMS

To review current occupational health (OH) approaches aimed at maintaining the health and workability of older workers.

METHODS

A literature review was undertaken to identify articles on OH interventions focused on maintaining the health of older workers (published since 2000). The inclusion criteria included studies that reported interventions aimed specifically at older workers.

RESULTS

A limited number of interventions targeting older workers were identified. A second literature search was therefore conducted that identified types of workplace interventions that, if used with older workers, may benefit their health, well-being and workability.

CONCLUSIONS

Very few OH interventions have addressed the health and workability of older workers and there is considerable scope for developing OH provision, which accounts for the needs of the older workforce.