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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Research

Socioeconomic differences in working life expectancy: a scoping review

Authors: Svetlana Solovieva, Astrid de Wind, Karina Undem, Christian Dudel, Ingrid S. Mehlum, Swenne G. van den Heuvel, Suzan J. W. Robroek, Taina Leinonen

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

In the last decade, interest in working life expectancy (WLE) and socioeconomic differences in WLE has grown considerably. However, a comprehensive overview of the socioeconomic differences in WLE is lacking. The aim of this review is to systematically map the research literature to improve the insight on differences in WLE and healthy WLE (HWLE) by education, occupational class and income while using different ways of measuring and estimating WLE and to define future research needs.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed and EMBASE and complemented by relevant publications derived through screening of reference lists of the identified publications and expert knowledge. Reports on differences in WLE or HWLE by education, occupational class or income, published until November 2022, were included. Information on socioeconomic differences in WLE and HWLE was synthesized in absolute and relative terms.

Results

A total of 26 reports from 21 studies on educational and occupational class differences in WLE or HWLE were included. No reports on income differences were found. On average, WLE in persons with low education is 30% (men) and 27% (women) shorter than in those with high education. The corresponding numbers for occupational class difference were 21% (men) and 27% (women). Low-educated persons were expected to lose more working years due to unemployment and disability retirement than high-educated persons.

Conclusions

The identified socioeconomic inequalities are highly relevant for policy makers and pose serious challenges for equitable pension policies. Many policy interventions aimed at increasing the length of working life follow a one-size-fits-all approach which does not take these inequalities into account. More research is needed on socioeconomic differences in HWLE and potential influences of income on working life duration.

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Title: Socioeconomic differences in working life expectancy: a scoping review
Authors: Svetlana Solovieva
Astrid de Wind
Karina Undem
Christian Dudel
Ingrid S. Mehlum
Swenne G. van den Heuvel
Suzan J. W. Robroek
Taina Leinonen
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18229-y

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Socioeconomic differences in working life expectancy: a scoping review

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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