Predictors of work ability and quality of life in older New Zealanders with and without an arthritis diagnosis.

Objective: To determine predictors of work ability and quality of life in a population of older working New Zealanders with and without an arthritis diagnosis.

Methods: Participants aged 55-85 (Mean = 71 years) were drawn from the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement study. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of N = 1154 (n = 696 with arthritis and matched sample (on gender only) of n = 458 without arthritis).

Results: Older adults diagnosed with arthritis reported lower levels of work ability and poorer quality of life in comparison with older adults without arthritis. Pain and fatigue were associated with poorer outcomes for all participants. Pain moderated the relationship between arthritis and work ability.

Conclusions: An ageing population will lead to an increase in older workers in the workforce. Chronic age-related diseases such as arthritis may impact older workers' ability to continue to work and enjoy a good quality of life.