Predictors of the discrepancy between calendar and biological age.
BACKGROUND
The rate of ageing can differ considerably between individuals. This might result in major differences between calendar age (CA) and biological age (BA).


OBJECTIVE
To identify work- and health-related predictors of the discrepancy between CA and BA.


METHODS
The sample analysed in this study consisted of 371 subjects of different occupational groups (teachers, office workers, nursery school teachers and managers). BA was measured with the vitality measuring station, which recorded 45 vitality indicators of physical, mental and social functions. Work ability index, effort-reward imbalance and relaxation inability were measured to determine work- and health-related predictors.


RESULTS
The greatest discrepancy between CA and BA (9 years) was found for the subgroup of managers, followed by female teachers (5 years). Managers showed also the best results in work ability, the effort-reward balance and relaxation ability. By means of multiple regression analysis, particularly mental attitudes and resources towards work, occupational reward and the body fat percentage were identified as relevant predictors for the discrepancy between CA and BA.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study indicates that not only health- but also work-related factors are associated with vitality and BA of employees. We assume that measures focused on promoting of health (healthy diet and physical activities) and improving working conditions (e.g. job satisfaction and social support and stress prevention) may also affect the ageing process positively.
Freude
Gabriele
G
Department of Mental Health and Cognitive Capacity, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Berlin, Germany. freude.gabriele@baua.bund.de
Jakob
Olga
O
Martus
Peter
P
Rose
Uwe
U
Seibt
Reingart
R
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D055815:Young Adult