title: Study of the Physical Condition of Middle-aged Office and Field Workers Aged 50 and Older.
abstract: [Purpose] We investigated the physical condition of middle-aged workers in Korea by job category (office job vs. production job). [Subjects] In total, 3,650 middle-aged workers (production job, n = 2,615; office job, n = 1,035) ≥50 years of age from eight geographical areas were evaluated from 2007 to 2008. [Methods] The subjects' subjective physical condition, exercise status, smoking status, and drinking status were investigated, and precise physical measurements, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, reflexes, and reactions were measured. [Results] Subjectively, the physical condition and exercise status of those with office jobs were superior to those of production job workers. Office workers exhibited a higher rate of drinking than production workers, and also had better cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, reflexes, and reactions. However, production workers were more flexible than office workers. [Conclusion] Middle-aged production job workers in Korea have poorer overall physical condition than middle-aged office job workers. The physical condition of middle-aged and elderly workers must be managed through various health management programs to secure a productive aging society.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Hanlyo University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: ChanUk
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Health Science College, Honam University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: SooHee
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Korea Safety Culture Civil Solidarity, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: DongJoo
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Howon University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: YunHee
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Sorabol College, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: DeokJu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Inje University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: YeongAe
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
keywords: Elderly workers; Job category; Physical condition