Refereed journal article or data article (A1)
Trajectories of work ability from mid-life to pensionable age and their association with retirement timing
List of Authors: K. C. Prakash, Virtanen Marianna, Kivimäki Mika, Ervasti Jenni, Pentti Jaana, Vahtera Jussi, Stenholm Sari
Publication year: 2021
Journal: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Journal name in source: Journal of epidemiology and community health
Journal acronym: J Epidemiol Community Health
ISSN: 0143-005X
eISSN: 1470-2738
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2021-216433
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/59145480
BACKROUND: This study aimed to identify the trajectories of work ability over 16 years preceding the individual pensionable age and to examine the association with retirement timing.
METHODS: The study population consisted of 2612 public sector employees from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study and the Finnish Public Sector study. Participants were grouped into 'no-extension' (retired at the individual pensionable date or worked no longer than 6 months after that date) and 'extension' (worked more than 6 months after individual pensionable age). Trajectories of self-reported work ability score (0-10) in maximum of eight measurement points over 16 years preceding retirement were examined using the group-based latent trajectory analysis. Log-binomial regression was used to analyse the association between trajectory groups and extended employment.
RESULTS: Four stable ('Stable excellent', 7%; 'Stable high', 62%; 'Stable medium', 24%; 'Low', 4%) and one decreasing ('Declining', 3%) work ability trajectories were identified. After taking into account gender, age, occupational status, marital status and self-rated health, 'Stable excellent' trajectory was associated with a higher likelihood of extended employment compared with the 'Low' (risk ratio (RR) 2.38, 95% CI 1.21 to 4.68) and to the 'Declining' (RR 2.82, 95% CI 1.32 to 6.01) trajectories. There was no difference in retirement timing between 'Declining', 'Low' and 'Stable medium' trajectories.
CONCLUSION: Work ability remained relatively stable among majority of the participants over 16 years of follow-up. Stable excellent work ability from mid-life to late career was associated with higher likelihood of extending employment beyond individual pensionable age than those with low or declining work ability.
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