Sociodemographic differences in functional limitations among the Finnish working-age population

Abstract Background The functional ability of the working-age population crucially impacts workforce availability, productivity, economic sustainability, and quality of life. We examined the prevalence and accumulation of functional limitations by sociodemographic groups in the working-age population in Finland. Methods Data on participants aged 20-69 years (n = 15,792) was extracted from the nationally representative Healthy Finland 2022 survey. Questionnaire-based information on functional limitations included mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, psychological distress, poor experience of social inclusion, poor cognitive functioning, and limited work ability. The analyses were made by sex in population groups defined by age, education, financial difficulties, and employment status. Results Among both women and men, nearly half of the working-age individuals had at least one functional limitation, and one in four had multiple limitations. The prevalence and accumulation of limitations increased with age, particularly mobility difficulties and sensory impairments, while psychological distress decreased with age. Lower education was associated with all examined functional limitations among women, whereas among men, it was associated only with mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, and limited work ability. The educational differences were most pronounced in limited work ability, in men with 28% (95% CI 26-30%) among lower and 12% (95% CI 10-14%) among higher educated and in mobility difficulties, in women, 11% vs. 6%. Financial difficulties and unemployment were associated with a higher prevalence of all examined functional limitations compared with those without financial difficulties and those employed. Conclusions The findings highlight the importance of preventive measures, early intervention, and multidisciplinary cooperation between social and health services to maintain and improve functional ability, especially among those in disadvantaged positions. Key messages • One in four individuals had multiple functional limitations, with the number of limitations increasing with age. A disadvantaged position was associated with increasing prevalence of limitations. • Preventive measures and early interventions should focus on most disadvantaged groups such as those with low education, financial difficulties, or unemployed.