What is the evidence for less shift work tolerance in older workers?

• Published in: Ergonomics Vol. 54; no. 3; pp. 221 - 232
• Main Authors: Blok, M.M., de Looze, M.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Taylor & Francis 01-03-2011; Washington, DC Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Accidents, Occupational; Adult; Age Distribution; ageing; Aging - physiology; Aging - psychology; Applied physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Ergonomics; Ergonomics. Work place. Occupational physiology; Fatigue; Female; health; Health Status; Human performance; Human physiology applied to population studies and life conditions. Human ecophysiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Older workers; Psychomotor Performance; Shift work; sleep; Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm - physiopathology; Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm - psychology; Space life sciences; Work Schedule Tolerance - physiology; Work Schedule Tolerance - psychology; Working hours; Human; Senescence; ageing; Tolerance; health; Review; Shift work; Sleep; Ergonomics; Worker; Sleep wake cycle; Professional activity; Performance
• ISSN: 0014-0139; 1366-5847
• DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2010.548876

This paper explores the suggestion that older people would be less tolerant to shift work. Field studies on age-shift work interaction effects on sleep, fatigue, performance, accidents and health were reviewed. Studies on age-shift (morning, afternoon, night) and age-shift system (roster) interactions were also reviewed. In nine studies, shift and day workers were compared and interactions with age were addressed. Two studies reported more problems in older people, four studies reported opposite results, while in five studies no significant age-shift work interaction was observed. From across-shift comparisons (six studies), it was deduced that older compared with younger workers have more sleep problems with night shifts, while the opposite is true for morning shifts. This review did find some differences between older and younger workers, but did not find evidence for the suggestion of more shift work problems in older workers.
Statement of Relevance: This systematic review reveals the limited evidence that exists concerning shift work tolerance in older workers, highlighting an area for future research. Some interactions between age and shift type and shift system have been found, however. In view of these, it is argued that age-specific aspects should be considered in shift work planning.