Does increased life expectancy translate to more years of health capacity to work?

Abstract Background There is significant political interest in extending labor force participation among older adults, including in Norway. However, it remains uncertain whether individuals retain sufficient health and functional capacity to work longer as we age. This population-based study investigates physical, mental, and cognitive health, as well as functional capacity in older age across various occupational groups, with a particular focus on individuals aged 60 to 70 years. Methods This study utilized data from two large-scale, population-based Norwegian studies-the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) and the Tromsø Study-linked with national registry data. The study sample used for the analysis comprised 21,600 participants from HUNT4 and 9,800 participants from Tromsø7, all aged 55-74 years. Linear probability models were used to estimate the potential health capacity to work by gender, age, and occupational group. Results We found differences in potential health capacity to work across gender, age and occupational groups. Conclusions On a populational level, people in Norway aged 60 to 70 years appeared to possess additional health capacity to work, but the magnitude differed across gender, age and occupational groups. These findings might suggest that many individuals in this age group-whether currently employed or not-possess untapped health capacity to work, provided they are matched with suitable job opportunities.