BACKGROUND: Most developed countries have considered
population ageing as one of the economic challenges that need to be
overcome. Managing ageing has led to consideration of a number of policies
where it is essential to increase the employment rate for older workers.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the working conditions which
tend to be perceived as hindering continuity in the workplace at the age of
60.
PARTICIPANTS: 1234 workers from different sectors and
socio-professional categories (52% men and 48% women; 64.5% younger
than 45 years old).
METHODS: A quantitative overview was adopted with the use of
logistic regression models. The INSAT was used (Work and Health
Questionnaire).
RESULTS: Apart from factors of great physical constraint, other less visible
aspects play a role in the idea of workers not being able to continue to work by the
age of 60, namely factors linked to work organizational options and relationships with others.
CONCLUSIONS: Working conditions have a great influence in the idea
of inability to perform the same type of work at 60. This notion does not
only apply to older workers. In fact, even younger workers under certain
working conditions hold the same view, thus raising social concerns that
should be taken into account by public policies.