CHANGES IN THE WORK ABILITY OF ACTIVE EMPLOYEES OVER AN 11-YEAR PERIOD

Objectives Changes in the work ability of active employees were follow ed over a period of 11 years. Methods Men and women in the same occupa tion (N = 818) in 1981-1992 assessed their work ability according to a n index on current work ability, physical and mental work demands, dia gnosed diseases, work impairment from disease, sickness absence, work ability prognosis, and psychological resources. Their mean initial age was 46.9 (range 44-51) years. The means and standard deviations of th e work ability index and the prevalence rates of 4 work ability catego ries were followed with respect to age, gender, and job content. Resul ts The mean work ability index declined significantly in 11 years for both genders. Its association with age and work was strong. Age of gre ater than or equal to 51 years and physical work load were critical fa ctors affecting the work ability of both genders. At the mean age of 5 8 years, at least 25% of the installation, auxiliary, or transport wor kers had a poor work ability rating, as did the women doing kitchen su pervision, auxiliary, and home care work. The annual rate of decline i n work ability was highest for women aged 51 years at the onset of the study. Female teachers showed a less dramatic decline in work ability than male teachers. Conclusions Work does not seem to prevent a decli ne in the work ability of men and women as they age. Therefore, measur es to promote work ability should be started before the age of 51 year s, especially for workers in physically demanding jobs.