Occupational categories and chronic degenerative diseases in elderly workers

The current delay in retirement age and the changing job opportunities have led to a progressive aging of the working population with a subsequent increase in work related and chronic degenerative diseases. To assess the relationship between occupational categories and chronic degenerative diseases, the prevalence of respiratory, cardiovascular and musculo-skeletal diseases was evaluated in a sample of 7199 male workers. The results indicate that compared to the general population there is a greater prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases among blue-collar workers, porters, and drivers while the prevalence in white-collar workers was not different. The higher prevalence of chronic degenerative diseases in drivers, porters and in blue-collar workers, already at younger ages, suggests that these occupations are wearing jobs and could accelerate the aging process. This should be taken into account in assessing working ability and in defining programs focused on control of welfare expenses. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.