Targeted exercise and comprehensive wellness programs can aid workers in their careers as they age, a recent study out of Finland concluded.

A Finnish Institute of Occupational Health team conducted two research projects to examine the work abilities of aging employees and early exits from the job market.

The first involved a review and meta-analysis of 41 international intervention studies.

The other was a follow-up study of more than 2,300 social welfare and health care workers.

The researchers found that work ability can be strengthened by improving health-related behaviors and working conditions by promoting sleep, mental health, exercise and a healthy lifestyle, along with reducing unnecessary work demands and empowering workers.

The best results arose from a combination of individual-specific factors and those related to working conditions with multidimensional solutions that promote both health and work requirements, researchers said.

Cognitive behavior therapy, for example, can positively address depression, insomnia, menopause, stress management, and relaxation techniques and reduce at-work productivity loss.

Researchers found that positive health-related changes that support improved work ability are better sleep quality, reduced psychological stress, increased exercise in leisure time, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

Moderation of work requirements, influence and decision-making in job matters, and rewards and appreciation all strengthened a worker’s ability.

“The findings highlight the importance of taking into account both employees’ personal health and working conditions when developing ways to support aging employees,” the researchers said in a press release. “Evidence shows that effective, diverse interventions can play a key role in extending healthy and productive careers.”

By Safety & Health Staff, National Safety Council