Middle-Aged Men before and after Disability Pension

Abstract

A total of 5950 male Malmö residents (from five cohorts, 1926–30) were health screened on two occasions, with an interval of 4–8 years. Disability pensions were granted to 215, of whom 123 were screened both before and after being pensioned. Those 123 constitute the study group reported on here. Among answers to the questionnaire, back and joint pain were the most common complaints mentioned. However, the most striking distinction between the study group and controls was the values of γ-GT (gamma glutamyltransferase), indicating overcon-sumption of alcohol in the group of prospective pensioners. Complaints concerning the back were also an out-standing feature of those belonging to the highest deciles of γ-GT after—but not before—the disability pension had been granted.