Will I be able to do my work at 60? An analysis of working conditions that hinder active ageing.

BACKGROUND

Most developed countries have considered population ageing as one of the economic challenges that need to be overcome. Managing ageing has led to consideration of a number of policies where it is essential to increase the employment rate for older workers.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to analyze the working conditions which tend to be perceived as hindering continuity in the workplace at the age of 60.

PARTICIPANTS

1234 workers from different sectors and socio-professional categories (52% men and 48% women; 64.5% younger than 45 years old).

METHODS

A quantitative overview was adopted with the use of logistic regression models. The INSAT was used (Work and Health Questionnaire).

RESULTS

Apart from factors of great physical constraint, other less visible aspects play a role in the idea of workers not being able to continue to work by the age of 60, namely factors linked to work organizational options and relationships with others.

CONCLUSIONS

Working conditions have a great influence in the idea of inability to perform the same type of work at 60. This notion does not only apply to older workers. In fact, even younger workers under certain working conditions hold the same view, thus raising social concerns that should be taken into account by public policies.