Studies on the relationship between occupation and health and longevity show that the risk of death varies between occupational groups. In many analyses, people in specialized professions, including doctors, dentists and academics, perform more favourably, while higher mortality rates are observed in some groups of physical and transport workers. However, this does not mean that the type of work alone determines the length of life.
What is behind these differences? What role do working conditions, physical and mental strain, the amount of salary and access to education and health care play? And can intellectually demanding work promote longevity?
Does physical work shorten your life?
The type of occupation carried out is associated with differences in mortality, which in some studies exceed up to three times. What is important is not only the nature of the work, but also the conditions of employment and the socio-economic situation of the workers.
In 2017, researchers associated with, among others, the University of Glasgow published in the journal The Lancet Public Healthanalysis of pt. Patterns of mortality by occupation in the UK, 1991—2011: a comparative analysis of linked census and mortality records. The study compared mortality rates in more than 60 occupational groups using census data linked to death registries. The analysis included individuals aged 20—59 years, with a total follow-up period of 4.51 million person-years.
The results showed clear differences between professions. Among men in England and Wales, the lowest standardised mortality rate was recorded in a group of health professionals 225 deaths per 100,000 person-years. Low values were also found among managers and teachers. At the other end of the list were workers performing unskilled construction work, among whom the rate was 701 deaths per 100,000 person-years. High mortality was also observed among factory workers and people performing some cleaning work. In the case of women, mortality rates were lower, among others, among teachers and business professionals, while higher mortality rates were recorded among workers in factories and the clothing industry. Interestingly, the highest mortality in both sexes was observed in the group of people who did not indicate the profession. However, this does not automatically mean that they were unemployed - this category could also include people who are not active at work, for example those who study or take care of the household. The researchers also noted the differences between the regions of the UK. Mortality rates were generally higher in Scotland than in England and Wales, with excess deaths concentrated primarily in lower-skilled groups.
Does this mean that physical labor actually shortens life? It is impossible to draw such an unequivocal conclusion on the basis of this study alone. It shows the relationship between occupational group and mortality, but does not prove that physical effort alone accounts for all the observed differences.
Physical activity at work and activity for health
Interesting data is also provided by a meta-analysis published in 2018 in British Journal of Sports Medicine, entitled Do highly physically active workers early? A systematic review with meta-analysis of data from 193,696 participants. The researchers analyzed the results of 17 studies involving a total of 193,696 participants.
The results indicated that men performing work requiring high levels of physical activity had an 18% higher relative risk of premature death than men with low levels of physical activity at work. This relationship also persisted after taking into account other factors, such as leisure activities. No analogous relationship was found among women. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as Paradox of physical activity. The effort made at work does not have to bring the same benefits as voluntary recreational activity. Physical work can be associated with prolonged strain on the body, repetitive movements, lifting weights and limited opportunities for rest.
However, it is worth emphasizing that the meta-analysis does not prove that any physical work is harmful. The results indicate a dependence that applies primarily to men performing work with a high level of physical activity, rather than all those who work physically.
Impact of the form of employment on health
The health of employees can be affected not only by the type of duties performed, but also by the stability of employment. One example is the UK's zero-hour contracts (Zero-timers contracten), which do not guarantee the employee a minimum number of working hours. As a result, his monthly income can be difficult to predict.
Authors of the study published in The Lancet Public Health They pointed out the potential consequences of increasing job insecurity. It can exacerbate socio-economic inequalities, including through income instability, as well as increase stress related to the imbalance between job demands and control over one's own work. Groups with lower qualifications, in which higher mortality rates have already been observed, may be particularly vulnerable.
It is worth noting that Polish contract contracts are not the legal equivalent of UK zero hour contracts. However, depending on the conditions of cooperation, they can be associated with similar problems, such as irregular working hours or unpredictable income. Uncertainty in employment can affect the ability to plan expenses, rest and take advantage of health care. However, the potential impact of these factors on health should not be equated with the proven shortening of life. A 2017 study points to possible risks associated with this trend, but does not directly measure the impact of zero-hour contracts on life expectancy.
In a broader perspective, these results suggest that when analyzing the relationship between work and longevity, it is worth considering not only the occupation performed, but also economic security, working conditions and opportunities for regeneration.
summary
Studies show that the risk of death varies according to the profession — lower rates are observed among health professionals, teachers and managers, among others, and higher in some groups of manual workers. However, health is affected not only by professional duties, but also by the burden on the body, employment conditions and financial stability. The profession itself does not determine life expectancy, but it can tell a lot about health inequalities in society.
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