From the conference Competence 50+ 2007 in Gothenburg, Sweden.

1. High-demand jobs may expect age-related diversity in work ability. Judith K. Sluiter, PhD, Associate Professor email: [email_address] Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2. Amsterdam…..Göteborg….look-alike

4. 1. Perception of the aging (working) population: a blessing or a problem?

5. Biological aging: rates of wear and tear are known (Sehl & Yates, 2001) CNS: 0.34%/yr 0.5-0.7 %/yr 0.4 %/yr 0.4 %/yr Integrative: 0.97 %/yr Total average over 13 organs: 0.6 % / yr 0.5-0.7 %/yr 0.5-0.7 %/yr 0.4 %/yr 1.3 %/yr Average linear loss rate = percent decline per year from ref.value 30 yrs

6. Good to excellent health in people aged 65 or over (CDC, older Americans, 2004): Age cohorts %

7. Labour force participation (in %): people aged 65 or over: 1950 vs. 2000 (United Nations, DESA division 2005):

8. 1. In summary: A blessing…focus on non-working elderly! Most workers will probably NOT perceive work ability problems when growing older AND working in non-extreme environments

9. 2. What workers may encounter problems? Focus on work-ability in high-demand jobs

13. 3. How to protect work-related and public health in high-demand jobs ??

15. Job specific testing: Ambulance workers Photos: Bosmans Sluiter JK & Frings-Dresen MHW, 2004, 2005, 2007

16. Job specific testing: Fire-fighters Test: FSC Rotterdam Sluiter JK & Frings-Dresen MHW, 2004, 2006