Exploring health differences among workers: insights from two CUORE project Italian cohorts

This study examines sectoral differences in physical and mental health outcomes among Italian workers aged 35–74, using data from two waves of the Italian Health Examination Survey – CUORE Project (2008–2012 and 2018–2019). Four health indicators are analyzed (obesity, depression, work-related stress, and poor self-rated health) across occupational sectors and age groups, separately by gender. Obesity showed age-related patterns varying by sector and gender, with younger men and older women in the commerce-finance-private transport sector at greater risk. Signs of vulnerability also emerged among women in industrial settings. Younger men in the commerce-finance-private transport sector appeared particularly exposed to work-related stress. The results suggest the need to design aging and health policies tailored to specific occupational sectors and gender groups.