Where are older workers with chronic conditions employed?

Objective: To determine which industries and occupational group are associated with employment of older workers with chronic work-limiting health conditions in Australia. Design and participants: Analysis of data from the 2005 National Health Survey for 4228 workers aged 45-64 years. Main outcome measures: Rate of employment by industry and occupation of older workers with specific chronic conditions. Results: Compared with the reference industry of property and business services, workers in the retail trade industry were found to be more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal conditions (relative risk ratio [RRR], 1.56; 95% CI, 1.04-2.35), while those in health and community services had higher rates of cardiovascular disease (RRR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.11-4.24). Compared with the reference occupation group of professionals, managers and administrators were less likely to suffer neoplasms (RRR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.07-0.97). Similar rates of chronic disease were seen across other occupations. Conclusion: Increasing rates of chronic health conditions are unlikely to have an even impact across the workforce, as the rate of employment of older workers with these conditions varies between industries.