Changes in disability over time among older working-age adults: Which global and specific limitations are increasing in Germany using the SHARE-data from 2004 to 2015?
Johannes Beller, Jelena Epping, Stefanie Sperlich, Juliane Tetzlaff
Abstract
Objectives: Previous studies have observed increasing limitations among the middle-aged, including those aged 40-64, raising the question how healthy work participation has changed. Helping answer this question, we ask: How have general and specific limitations changed in working and non-working adults in Germany? Methods: = 3522). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to study changes in limitations over time. Results: We found that employment rates generally increased over time, whereas limitation rates mostly increased among participants aged 50-54 and mostly decreased among participants aged 60-64 in both the working and non-working population. Regarding type of disability, increases were more pronounced with movement-related and general activity-related limitations. Conclusion: Therefore, if the comparatively younger more-limited cohorts age and replace the older less-limited cohorts, a larger part of the working and non-working life might be expected to be spent with limitations in the future, and it seems questionable whether further substantial increases in healthy work participation can be achieved. Further prevention efforts and assistance should be directed at current middle-aged cohorts to improve and maintain their health, including adapting current working conditions to a work force with more limitations.