Health and morbidity among people in paid work after 64 years of age: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives: Synthesise and evaluate the existing scientific knowledge about health and morbidity among people in paid work when >64 years. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted. Studies presenting data on health and/or morbidity among people in paid work when aged >64 years, published in English in scientific journals from Jan 2014 through Dec 2020, were searched for. The 18,972 identified publications were assessed for relevance: 66 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesised using narrative synthesis and the scientific quality was assessed by two independent researchers according to a pre-defined protocol. Both health-related and work-related outcomes were considered. Findings: The studies differed greatly in terms of included populations, definitions of paid work, outcome measures, methods, etc. Most studies were of limited or moderate quality. Most studies were conducted in OECD countries (92%), and more men than women were included. Of the 66 studies, 42 had results showing that those who were in paid work >64 years had better health than those who were not. However, 21 studies had non-significant results, and six studies indicated that those not in paid work had better health than those who were. Conclusions: Most (64%) of the studies indicated that people in paid work >64 years generally had better health and/or lower morbidity than those who were not, others did not find such associations. Due to the large heterogeneity of the studies and limited quality of many studies, only general conclusions and no scientific evidence regarding health and morbidity among people in paid work >64 could be established. The research area is still very undeveloped and many ‘blank spots' were identified.

Keywords

• Extending working lives
• Ageing workforce
• Systematic review
• Health
• Morbidity
• Working after pension age