Abstract

LEON LUIS, Beatriz de  and  DIAZ, Schyrley. Valuation of the functional capacity of the 65 years old major workers. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2011, vol.57, n.222, pp.63-76. ISSN 1989-7790.

Introduction: Industrialized countries are suffering important transformations in their demographic evolution, characterized by the aging of the population (decrease in the birthrate, increase in adult population and increased life expectancy). In Spain the decrease in the rate pensioner/contributor means the government is discussing the possibility of a delay in the retirement age. Justification: In the near future employers will probably face the dilemma of planning tasks for sensitive workers, designing tools or modifying conditions of work to guarantee the health and work capacity of elder workers. However before any intervention, the responsible entities must know the exact needs of this working population. Objective: This review tries to consider the fisio-pathological changes of the aging population and to document the bibliography that includes the actions to be taken by the labor physician for a correct integral assessment of the functional capacity, bearing in mind or not the different professions. Methodology: Bibliographical databases such as MEDLINE (PUBMED) and OSH UPDATE were used. Complete revision was made of those articles about the assessment of the functional capacity and the effect of aging in the work capacity. Results and conclusions: The assessment of the functional capacity of elder workers must include: assessment of physical, mental and social capacity; assessment of any disability, as well as individual perception of his capacity for work: WAI (Work capacity index).

Keywords : Elder worker; Aging worker; work capacity evaluation; functional capacity; senses.

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