The Interplay of Perceived Safety, Age, and Job Demands on Work Ability in Older Workers.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine how perceived safety, age, and job demands influence work ability in older workers, using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model. A survey was administered to 340 employees at a manufacturing facility in Northern Italy. The analysis explored interactions between safety perception, age, cognitive, and physical job demands. A significant three-way interaction showed that older workers with lower cognitive demands relied more on safety perception to maintain work ability. For those with higher cognitive demands, this relationship was weaker. Physical demands had a consistently negative impact on work ability, regardless of age or safety perception. Work ability in older adults is shaped by a complex interplay of psychosocial and cognitive factors. Tailored interventions addressing safety culture, cognitive support, and ergonomics are essential to sustain employment in aging workforces.