Abstract

The Western population ages as a result of fewer births and an increase in life expectancy. Therefore, many Western countries have developed policies to increase labor force participation such as raising the statutory retirement age. In the Netherlands, the age at which people may retire will gradually increase from 65 years of age in 2012 to 67 in 2023. As a consequence, the workforce will become relatively older which brings about a higher prevalence of health problems such as chronic diseases and functional limitations (e.g. musculoskeletal, sight). Of persons aged 55 to 65 in the Netherlands, 64% suffers from at least one chronic disease and 17% has at least one limitation. Having a poor health (i.e. self-perceived, chronic diseases, functional limitations) decreases ones work productivity and increases the risk on leaving the workforce prematurely, which leads to high costs for organizations. Important risk factors for chronic diseases are smoking and an unhealthy weight status, caused by an imbalance between physical activity and nutrition. In the Netherlands, the percentage of persons with overweight or obesity has increased by 14% to 41% during the last 20 years. Furthermore, only 58% is currently sufficiently physical active, less than 10% of the adults eat the daily-recommended amount of 200 grams of fruits and 200 grams of vegetables, and 23% smokes. An unhealthy behavior is an even greater concern among the lower educated.

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A. Burdorf (Alex)
Erasmus University Rotterdam
The studies presented in this thesis were financially supported by a grant from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) (grant number 208010002). The financial support by the Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, and the Erasmus University Rotterdam for the publication of this thesis is gratefully acknowledged.
hdl.handle.net/1765/78154
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Rongen, A. (2015, May 22). Sustainable Employability & Participation in Health Promotion Programs. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/1765/78154