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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-07-2015 | Review

The effectiveness of interventions for ageing workers on (early) retirement, work ability and productivity: a systematic review

Authors: Laura Cloostermans, Marga B. Bekkers, Ellen Uiters, Karin I. Proper

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2015

Abstract

Purpose

To systematically summarise the literature on the effects of interventions for ageing workers that address work-related measures of sustainable employability, i.e. (early) retirement, work ability and work productivity.

Methods

A systematic review was performed by searching five electronic databases for relevant studies published between January 1992 and February 2014. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental intervention studies were included. The study population included workers aged ≥40 years, and the measured outcomes were positive indicators of labour force participation, i.e. (early) retirement, work ability and work productivity. The methodological quality of each included study was assessed, and best-evidence synthesis was applied to draw conclusions about the evidence for the effectiveness of each outcome.

Results

Four studies met the inclusion criteria. The interventions were diverse and ranged from individual (e.g. exercise) programmes to workplace programmes. Limited evidence for a favourable effect on early retirement was found. Insufficient evidence was found for the remaining outcomes, i.e. work ability and productivity, due to a lack of high-quality studies and consistent findings.

Conclusions

Insufficient and limited evidence is available for a favourable effect of interventions to promote work-related components of sustainable employability in ageing workers. This is due to a scarcity of RCTs and inconsistent findings between the limited number of studies. Additional intervention studies are needed to support evidence-based decision making to prolong a healthy and productive working life for ageing workers.

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Title: The effectiveness of interventions for ageing workers on (early) retirement, work ability and productivity: a systematic review
Authors: Laura Cloostermans
Marga B. Bekkers
Ellen Uiters
Karin I. Proper
Publication date: 01-07-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2015
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-014-0969-y

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The effectiveness of interventions for ageing workers on (early) retirement, work ability and productivity: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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