Gender Differences of Low Control Work on Cognitive Reserve in Older Workers

Katherine Ford
Anja K. Leist , University of Luxembourg

Background: Limited control in the workplace can reduce opportunities for learning on the job. Women may have fewer occupational resources to buffer effects of low job control, while conversely, gender-role norms may moderate the influence of occupational risk factors. Methods: In this observational study of working adults aged 50-64 years at entry into the Surveys of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, the relationship between control and cognitive reserve was explored using linear fixed-effect and random-effect regression models stratified by gender. Results: Men in high control positions had a verbal fluency score 0.063 standard deviations (SD) higher than if they had been in the moderate control group (p=0.010). Men in low control positions had immediate recall scores 0.212 SD higher than if they had experienced moderate control positions (p=0.001). We found no clear relationships in women. Conclusion: We observed gender differences in associations of low control work and cognitive reserves.

See extended abstract

 Presented in Session 6. Health & Mortality & Aging