Factors associated with work ability in the elderly: systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the evidence on factors associated with the maintenance of work ability during the aging process. METHODS: SciELO, LILACS and PubMed databases were consulted, in order to find out studies in Portuguese, English and Spanish published from 2000 to 2013. Descriptors which encompassed terms related to work ability, aging and elderly were used. Quantitative observational studies were included to investigate the work ability and the effect of aging. Studies aiming at analyzing the clinical course of illnesses related to aging and/or papers and publications in the form of editorials, interviews, projects, clinical notes and preliminary or conceptual data were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 924 articles were obtained, but 27 were included in the analyses. Later on, 2 intervention and 8 repeated studies were excluded. Variables that showed negative correlations with work ability were the following: age, smoking, service time and physical demands in occupational activities. Satisfaction with life, sufficient income, physical activity, volunteerism and mental workload were considered positive associations that protect the elderly from functional loss. CONCLUSION: This study was reported as a protective mechanism against depression, disability and fragility, maintaining the well-being, good cognitive function and autonomy in daily activities. Increased investments in the health care of this population are needed regarding musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory capacity. Physical activity must be encouraged by policies to foster health promotion.