Factors associated with increased work participation in aged and mildly impaired persons

BackgroundVocational rehabilitation is a well-established field that attracts constant interest. The law provides incentives for beneficiaries and employers. A distinct population group is emerging in the context of current demographic changes: older workers with chronic conditions and impaired functional capacity which are prone to less working years.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess possible impact factors on maintaining a long-term professional activity in aged people with mild functional impairments.MethodsTwo hundred and seventy-one patients admitted to The National Institute for Medical Assessment and Work Capacity Rehabilitation Bucharest for work capacity evaluation were included in the survey. An observational study was designed to describe their vocational skills and to integrate interests and abilities to work counselling using a person-centred approach.ResultsGender (p = 0.003), marital status (p < 0.001), residence (p < 0.001), level of education (p < 0.001), type of occupation (p < 0.001), and multiple qualifications (p = 0.001) were related to longer working experience. Multiskilling, job fit, and residence were favourable features for a shorter interruption of the activity (p < 0.001, p = 0.031, p = 0.016, respectively). An investigative profile was found for higher education (p = 0.002) and intellectual jobs (p = 0.002), while a social profile was associated with a lower level of education (p = 0.012) and unskilled jobs (p = 0.031). Men had a significantly greater percentage of realistic (p = 0.002) and investigative profiles (p = 0.010). Women had significantly greater artistic (p < 0.001) and conventional (p = 0.047) profiles.ConclusionsVarious factors were associated with work participation. Occupational gender segregation was found, and differences in vocational interest were identified for different levels of education and occupational groups.