Whitley, E. and Popham, F. (2017) Leaving the labour market later in life. How does it impact on mechanisms for health? Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 74(12), pp. 877-886. (doi: 10.1136/oemed-2016-104258) (PMID:28827279) (PMCID:PMC5740548)
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Abstract
Objectives: Negative associations between non-employment and health among older people are well established and are potentially important for successful ageing. However, opportunities to improve health through re-employment or extending working lives are limited as later-life exits from employment are often unwanted and permanent. We aim to establish a greater understanding of the psychosocial mechanisms underlying non-employment and health associations in older people to identify modifiable pathways through which the negative impact of non-employment can be ameliorated. Methods: Using multilevel analysis of four waves of repeated panel data from a representative sample of 1551 older men and women reaching state retirement age in the West of Scotland from 1987/1988 to 2000/2004, we explored respondents' strength of agreement with 20 statements relating to their self-defined employment status, covering themes of functioning, social engagement, self-esteem, mental engagement, stress, and control and autonomy. Results: Compared with those in employment, respondents who were retired, unemployed, sick/disabled and home makers were more likely to agree that this resulted in poor social engagement, low self-esteem and, with the possible exception of retirees, reduced mental engagement. Associations were particularly marked among unemployed and sick/disabled respondents who also agreed that their status was a source of worry and prevented them from feeling in control. Conclusion: Older people who are not in employment are at higher risk of poor physical and mental health. Interventions targeting psychosocial mechanisms such as social and mental engagement and self-esteem offer potentially valuable opportunities to improve health outcomes and promote successful ageing.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Popham, Dr Frank and Whitley, Dr Elise |
| Authors: | Whitley, E., and Popham, F. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU |
| Journal Name: | Occupational and Environmental Medicine |
| Publisher: | BMJ Publishing Group |
| ISSN: | 1351-0711 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1470-7926 |
| Published Online: | 21 August 2017 |
| Copyright Holders: | Copyright © 2017 The Authors |
| First Published: | First published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine 74(12): 877-886 |
| Publisher Policy: | Reproduced under a Creative Commons License |
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