The WAge Index: An Age-Inclusive Tool for Assessing Physical and Psychosocial Work Environments
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background Ageing workforces across Europe demand workplace health strategies that account for how physical and psychosocial factors interact across the lifespan. While links between work demands, resources, and health outcomes are well established, integrated approaches combining physical and psychosocial dimensions in an age-sensitive manner remain scarce. WAge (Horizon Europe) addresses this gap through the WAge Index, an age-inclusive tool for integrated assessment of working environments. Methods WAge collected observational, sensor-based, and self-reported physical exposure data alongside psychosocial instruments from workers in manufacturing and service organisations across Portugal, Spain, and Poland. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the psychosocial model structure, followed by stepwise integration of physical factors (ergonomic risk, perceived physical load, musculoskeletal symptoms) into a unified framework. A condensed instrument set derived from cross-sectional findings is undergoing follow-up validation, including test-retest reliability and user testing with workers and organisational stakeholders. Results Preliminary findings confirm the multidimensional structure of the integrated model, showing that combined physical and psychosocial exposures are associated with health outcomes. The condensed instrument retains core constructs while reducing assessment burden. Cross-country invariance testing and usability assessment are ongoing. The WAge Index is being developed to help organisations identify risk profiles, generate age-sensitive recommendations, and support evidence-based interventions. Conclusions The WAge Index bridges occupational health research and organisational practice. The proposed approach integrates physical and psychosocial dimensions in an age-inclusive framework, and it aims to support healthier, more sustainable working lives, contributing to public health goals on workforce participation and healthy ageing.
Author: G Azalde
Institution: SINTEF Digital
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7223677342