Functional limitations in 2004–22 among Europeans aged 55–69 years: time trends according to labor market group and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In terms of work ability, impacts of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on functional ability warrant investigation. The aim is to explore trends in functional limitations in 2004-22 focusing on the impacts of the pandemic among older working-aged Europeans in different labor market groups and at different levels of COVID-19 stringency policies. Data come from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) collected in 2004-22. Individuals aged 55-69 years from 27 countries were included (N = 245 060). Outcome was functional limitations (Global Activity Limitation Index). Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze time trends and COVID-19 impacts within labor market groups and at different levels of COVID-19 stringency policies. In 2004-22, the likelihood of functional limitations increased slightly among men but remained the same among women. Functional limitations were more likely in countries with low and moderate as compared to high COVID-19 stringency (which represents mostly Southern Europe) in both women and men. During the ∼1st year of the pandemic, likelihood of functional limitations decreased especially in countries with moderate COVID-19 stringency. Decreases were observed in all labor market groups. During the ∼2nd year of the pandemic, the likelihood of functional limitations increased in time but not statistically significantly in most groups. Policymakers should be aware of trends in functional limitations and the impacts of policy decisions while pursuing to prolong work careers. Further investigation is required to verify our findings and to explore underlying reasons behind the decreases in functional limitations after the pandemic.
Institutions: University of Eastern Finland, Karolinska Institutet, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, University of Tampere, University of Helsinki, South Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
Awards: Social Sciences & Humanities Open Cloud, G1397107050, G1398022599, G1565542540, G1708035608, G1756054413, G24207250, G2881429984, G288447808, G3064458240, G352270758, HEALTH AND ECONOMIC STATUS IN OLDER POPULATIONS, Non-intended health, economic and social effects of the COVID-19 epidemic control decisions: Lessons from SHARE (SHARE-COVID19), G751768989, DEVELOPING AN ISRAELI VERSION OF THE HRS/SHARE PROJECT, Enhancing the Comparability of SHARE with HRS and ELSA, Bio-medical and socio-economic precursors of cognitive decline in SHARE, Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe - Finland, G859642178, G8677177991, RAND Center for the Study of Aging, Understanding and Improving Healthcare Decision-Making and Outcomes for People Living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, Health and Retirement Study: Yrs 35-40, G93458789
OpenAlex ID: W4409489139