Poor Fit Between Job Demands, Reasoning Abilities Associated With Health Conditions

A study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found older workers whose reasoning abilities no longer allow them to meet the demands of their jobs may be at greater risk of chronic health conditions and early retirement, reports ScienceDaily . "Experienced workers offer much in terms of knowing the company culture and being able to mentor younger employees, so it is vital that we look into the best ways to extend their careers and improve their health outcomes," said Rice University's Margaret Beier. The researchers determined possession of reasoning abilities that match demands of the job are key to the positive experience of work in older age. When reasoning abilities met or exceeded job demands, workers reported fewer chronic health conditions. "With the average age of retirement increasing across the country and the older population itself becoming a larger portion of the population, it is important that we study how the demands placed on older workers in the workforce should match their abilities," Beier urged. "Older workers have such valuable experience that it is vital we look into the best ways to extend their careers and improve their health outcomes."