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HighlightsFarm work is characterized by physically demanding activities that are frequently associated with ergonomic and injury risks. Farm workers’ psychomotor abilities and muscle mass decrease with age, leading to increased injury risk and decreased work ability.Work ability (WA) was measured using the Work Ability Index (WAI), a self-assessment questionnaire. Results showed that the most common WA level was moderate. WAI scores were correlated with demographic characteristics and health behaviors.The findings suggest that improvement programs should promote enhanced work ability for aging workers to prevent injuries and premature retirement.Abstract. This study assessed the work ability (WA) and identify the factors affecting WA among older adult farm workers in Thailand. A total of 170 older adult farm workers (90 male, 80 female) completed a two-part WA self-assessment questionnaire comprising work-related items and the Work Ability Index (WAI) to determine WA. Total WAI scores ranged from 7 to 49. The average WAI score was 36.0, which is a moderate level. Univariate correlation analysis showed that WAI level was associated with regular medication intake, exercise behavior, sleep duration, health status, and pain symptoms. Body height and income were significantly associated with WAI score. Multivariate correlation analysis showed that WAI level was significantly associated with exercise behavior (odds ratio = 3.12, 95% CI [-1.91, -0.36], p < 0.05) and sleep duration (odds ratio = 2.44, 95% CI [-1.53, -0.26], p < 0.05). WAI score was significantly associated with body height. Older adult farm workers’ WA was generally moderate, and it did not differ by sex. The findings suggest that enhancing older adult workers’ exercise behavior, sleep duration, and related factors would restore or increase their ability to work, promote their health, prevent injuries, and prevent early retirement and work-related disability. Keywords: Aging, Farm worker, Older adult, Thailand, Work ability, Work ability index.

As the workforce ages, the incidence of occupational falls is increasing. However, risk factors for occupational falls in farm workers have not been evaluated in detail. The current study sought to identify the risk factors for occupational falls among middle-aged and elderly farm workers in Thailand. We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire among 419 farm workers aged ≥40 years in Nan province, Thailand. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with occupational falls. Occupational falls were experienced by 25.5% of participants. Men had 2.22 times higher odds of occupational falls than women (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-4.13). Participants aged ≥60 years were less likely to experience occupational falls compared with those aged 40-49 years (odds ratio [OR]: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.20-0.96). Fruit growers were 2.72 times more likely to experience occupational falls than rice growers (95% CI: 1.33-5.55). Individuals with body mass index ≥30 kg/m

Objectives Declining physical capacity caused by aging increases the risk of occupational falls on the same level and to lower levels. In emerging countries in Asia, the development of a program for older farmers to assess their risk of occupational falls is valuable. The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical capacity and experience of occupational falls among middle‐aged and older Thai farmers. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional survey of 419 Thai farmers aged 40 years and over during March and April, 2021. For the assessment of physical capacity, we used the Self‐Check Risk Assessment of Falls and Other Accidents in the Workplace tool developed in Japan, consisting of five physical test components. Multiple logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to analyze the data. Results The results revealed that 25.5% of participants had experienced occupational falls in the past 12 months. For each of the five physical test components, there was no significant association between physical capacity and experience of occupational falls. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was less than 0.60 for each of the five physical test components. A similar trend was observed when the analysis was limited to participants aged 50 years and over. Conclusions The current study did not reveal any associations between physical capacity in each test and experience of occupational falls among middle‐aged and older Thai farmers. Because the mechanisms underlying occupational falls are complex, multiple intervention approaches may be important for preventing accidents.