Materials and Method: This study was the extended analysis of the 2010 Health Survey of Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat)’s cross-sectional study, representing the country. Data from 4,431 people working actively between the ages of 25 and 64 years were extracted from the micro-dataset, and 2,925 adults (aged 25–44 years) and 1,506 older workers (aged 45–64 years) were then compared in terms of health status, work-related health problems and health care utilization. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for the analysis.
Results: The perceived health status was worse and the types of illnesses within the last four months were more serious in older workers. The rate of chronic disease was 22.1% in adult workers and 38.4% in older workers. No difference was found in terms of work accidents and work-related diseases; however, general health problems were more frequent in older workers. The results of the additional analysis showed that living in rural areas (OR=1.38), male gender (OR=1.51), primary school or lower education (OR=2.15), being married(OR=1.85), chronic disease existence (OR=1.64), musculoskeletal system disease (OR=1.31) and cardiovascular disease (OR=2.95) were more common, and mental disorders (OR=0.53) were less common.
Conclusion: To protect and improve the health of older workers, efficient health care should be provided and national policies should be created for workplaces.
Keywords : Occupational Health and Safety; Older Workers; Cross-sectional Study; Turkey, TurkStat