Job Characteristics and Disability in Older Workers
Author Information
Author(s): Park Sung
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether the risks associated with working in jobs with nonstandard work schedules and high physical demands interact to produce greater risks of ambulatory disability than each risk acting independently.
Conclusion
The study found that racial/ethnic minorities, particularly female immigrants, face significant disadvantages in occupational exposure to physically demanding jobs and nonstandard work schedules, which are linked to higher rates of ambulatory disability.
Supporting Evidence
- More than half of adults aged 50+ work in physically demanding jobs.
- There are known occupational risk factors for work injuries, including physically demanding activities and nonstandard work schedules.
- The study found significant heterogeneity in occupational exposure to physical demands and nonstandard work schedules.
Takeaway
Older workers in tough jobs may have a harder time moving around, especially if they are women or from different racial backgrounds.
Methodology
The study used a nationally representative, longitudinal sample linked to objective measures of the work environment for all civilian occupations in the U.S.
Participant Demographics
The study focuses on older workers, with particular attention to racial/ethnic minorities and female immigrants.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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