Effects of health behaviors on the subjective employment perspective of older workers in Germany
Background and aim:
The subjective employment perspective (EP) is considered an important predictor for the actual duration of labor market participation. So far, no research has focused on the association of specific health behaviors (HB) and the EP of older workers. The effects of physical activity, being overweight and smoking on EP of older workers were therefore examined.
Material and methods:
Data from 3368 older employees, who participated in the third survey wave of the representative lidA study in 2018 were analyzed. EP was measured by the employees’ estimation on how long they think they can continue working. By means of hierarchical linear regression, the effects of HB-factors on EP were cross-sectionally examined, controlling for sociodemographic, work-related and health-related factors. Interaction terms were tested in order to investigate the interplay of independent variables on EP.
Results:
Physical activity and obesity were significantly associated with EP. The EP of employees with regular physical activity is five months longer than less active or nonactive employees. The EP of normal weight employees is five months longer than obese employees. Regarding health aspects, the effect of obesity on EP lost significance. Smoking did not show any significant direct effect on EP.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that regular physical activity in particular can be beneficial for EP. Further research is needed to improve the potential of specific HB for EP in depth. These findings should be considered by occupational stakeholders in behavioral and contextual preventive measures in order to respond more specifically to employees’ needs, especially those with a potentially shorter EP.
