In a research project by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health on the work ability of ageing employees and early exit from the labour market this issue was examined using two extensive research packages. The first one comprises a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of international intervention studies. The other is an extensive Finnish follow-up study, carried out in 2017–2022 with over 2,300 social welfare and health care workers participating.
The results of the study demonstrated that improving health habits and working conditions that support employees can significantly strengthen the work ability of middle-aged and ageing employees.
In this context, work ability is defined as a person’s experience of how well they are able to meet the requirements of their work. Work ability serves as an important indicator for assessing how long employees can continue their careers as they age.
Exercise supports the work ability of middle-aged and ageing people
The systematic literature review demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise or strength training promotes the work ability of middle-aged and ageing employees. The review also identified signs of the benefits of multi-part well-being programmes. These programmes included, for example, health education, exercise and nutritional guidance.
The results show that both targeted exercise and comprehensive wellness programmes can offer tangible benefits for ageing employees.
Working conditions are also crucial - changes on the individual alone are not enough
The review found that intervention studies that not only take into account individual-specific factors but also work-related factors have only been carried out rarely, and their results have been varied.
A Finnish follow-up study found that, in addition to individual factors, work ability was also improved by improved working conditions.
Health-related positive changes that supported work ability
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced psychological load
- Increased exercise in leisure time
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
Factors related to working conditions that strengthened work ability when improved
- Moderation of work requirements
- Improved balance between work requirements and the employee’s influence
- Greater influence and decision-making power in work-related matters
- Increased reward and appreciation
- Changes made to the factors related to working conditions increased the employees’ experience of being able to meet the demands of their work better than before.
Recommendations of the research group for employers and decision-makers
The research group estimates that its research package provides the following conclusions and tips that, if followed, would promote longer careers for ageing employees.
The research group estimates that its research package provides the following conclusions and tips that, if followed, would promote longer careers for ageing employees.
- Work ability is not a permanent characteristic — it can be strengthened by improving health-related behaviors and working conditions
- Promoting sleep, mental health, exercise and a healthy lifestyle is key
- Improving working conditions is crucial — for example, reducing unnecessary demands, empowering employees and strengthening appreciation
The best results are achieved by combining individual-specific factors and those related to working conditions with multidimensional solutions that promote both health and the prerequisites for working
“The findings highlight the importance of taking into account both employees’ personal health and working conditions when developing ways to support ageing employees,” the research group emphasises.
“Evidence shows that effective, diverse interventions can play a key role in extending healthy and productive careers,” the research group points out.
Learn about the parts of the research review and the project
- Literature review and meta-analysis: Interventions to improve work ability and reduce early exit from the labor market: A systematic review and meta-analysis among midlife and older workers. Scand J Public Health. 2026.
- Longitudinal cohort study: Favorable changes in health- and work-related factors and subsequent work ability in midlife and older social and health care employees. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2026.
- Presentation of the project funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund: Work ability of ageing employees and early exit from the labour market
Further information
- Joonas Poutanen, Researcher, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 (0)30 474 3203, joonas.poutanen [at] ttl.fi (joonas[dot]poutanen[at]ttl[dot]fi)
- Eija Haukka, Senior Researcher, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 (0)43 825 8137, eija.haukka [at] ttl.fi (eija[dot]haukka[at]ttl[dot]fi)
- Rahman Shiri, Chief Researcher, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, tel. +358 (0)30 474 2998, rahman.shiri [at] ttl.fi
