A study published in the European Journal of Public Health (EJPH) warned that raising the retirement age could push increasing numbers of people to continue working despite suffering from serious health problems.
The study relied on an analysis of data from several large German studies, along with health information from more than 3 million people. The results showed that, despite declining rates of serious illnesses such as cancer and coronary heart disease, musculoskeletal disorders are steadily increasing, appearing at younger ages, and accompanying sufferers for a significant portion of their working lives.
The data revealed a worrying trend among younger employees, with a decline in the number of years they spend in good health within the 18-44 age group. Researchers believe this means the current generation may reach retirement age in worse health than older employees today.
The results also showed that higher rates of obesity, increased work intensity, and frequent job changes were all additional factors that increased health risks among workers.
The study also revealed a close link between health status on the one hand, and education level and working conditions on the other, as people with low levels of education, and those working in jobs that require strenuous physical effort or high psychological stress, spend fewer years in good health compared to others.
The researchers stressed that raising the retirement age, given these ongoing health trends, could lead to an increase in the number of people who continue to work while suffering from chronic diseases, which necessitates a review of retirement policies and achieving a better balance between labor market demands and public health needs.
