title: Applying Strategies of Selection, Optimization, and Compensation to Maintain Work Ability-A Psychosocial Resource Complementing the Job Demand-Control Model? Results From the Representative lidA Cohort Study on Work, Age, and Health in Germany.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate whether aging employees' selection, optimization, and compensation (SOC) strategies were associated with work ability over and above job demand and control variables, as well as across professions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multivariable linear regressions were conducted using a representative sample of German employees born in 1959 and 1965 (N = 6057).
  
  
  RESULTS
  SOC was assessed to have an independent effect on work ability. Associations of job demands and control variables with work ability were more prominent. The SOC tended to enhance the positive association between decision authority and work ability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Individual strategies of selection, optimization, and compensation could be considered as psychosocial resources adding up to a better work ability and complement prevention programs. Workplace interventions should deal with job demands and control to maintain older employees' work ability in times of working population shrinkage.
authors.affiliation: From the Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine Medical Faculty (Drs Riedel and Müller), Heinrich-Heine University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstr 1; and Department of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (Ms Ebener), Institute of Safety Engineering, University of Wuppertal, Gaußstr 20, Germany.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Riedel
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ebener
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017146:Models, Organizational; D008960:Models, Psychological; D016272:Occupational Health; D032024:Personnel Delegation; D010559:Personnel Management / Q000379:methods*; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013192:Staff Development; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014942:Workers' Compensation; D016526:Workload