Augner C. "Working old-old": Psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health of employed and self-employed Europeans aged 75.
Work 2021;
69:859-864. [PMID:
34180456 DOI:
10.3233/wor-213518]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Recent research deals with the effects of employment/self-employment of elderly on mental and physical health. However, the rising group of "old-old", aged 75 and above, is almost missing in this research.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to analyze psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health of employed/self-employed and retired Europeans aged 75 and above ("old-old").
METHODS
We used data recently collected by Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Our final sample consisted of N = 9,884, 57.69%were female. Employed or self-employed (vs. retired) rate was 30.20%for male and 28.88%for female. Mean age of the sample was 81.07 (SD = 4.90).
RESULTS
Employed/self-employed "old-old" showed significant better psychological well-being, cognitive abilities and physical health than their retired counterparts. Age of the groups did not differ. Further analysis indicated the close connection between physical health (i.e. chronic diseases, negative self-perceived health, physical inactivity and ADL number of limitations) and employment/self-employment status.
CONCLUSIONS
Against the background of continuity theory of ageing future research has to focus on the growing group of "old-old" still working.
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