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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Health and Employment after Fifty (HEAF): a new prospective cohort study

Authors: Keith T. Palmer, Karen Walker-Bone, E. Clare Harris, Cathy Linaker, Stefania D’Angelo, Avan Aihie Sayer, Catharine R. Gale, Maria Evandrou, Tjeerd van Staa, Cyrus Cooper, David Coggon

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Demographic trends in developed countries have prompted governmental policies aimed at extending working lives. However, working beyond the traditional retirement age may not be feasible for those with major health problems of ageing, and depending on occupational and personal circumstances, might be either good or bad for health. To address these uncertainties, we have initiated a new longitudinal study.

Methods/design

We recruited some 8000 adults aged 50–64 years from 24 British general practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD). Participants have completed questionnaires about their work and home circumstances at baseline, and will do so regularly over follow-up, initially for a 5-year period. With their permission, we will access their primary care health records via the CPRD. The inter-relation of changes in employment (with reasons) and changes in health (e.g., major new illnesses, new treatments, mortality) will be examined.

Discussion

CPRD linkage allows cost-effective frequent capture of detailed objective health data with which to examine the impact of health on work at older ages and of work on health. Findings will inform government policy and also the design of work for older people and the measures needed to support employment in later life, especially for those with health limitations.
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Metadata
Title
Health and Employment after Fifty (HEAF): a new prospective cohort study
Authors
Keith T. Palmer
Karen Walker-Bone
E. Clare Harris
Cathy Linaker
Stefania D’Angelo
Avan Aihie Sayer
Catharine R. Gale
Maria Evandrou
Tjeerd van Staa
Cyrus Cooper
David Coggon
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-2396-8

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