Higher work engagement is associated with higher work ability and fewer retirement intentions in middle age: A Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of work engagement for work ability and retirement intentions at the age of 46 years. METHODS: We used data from Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 - study (n=5,881) to analyze associations of work engagement and its dimensions (vigor, dedication, absorption) with perceived work ability and retirement intentions. We conducted binary and multinominal logistic regression analyses to examine whether work engagement is associated with higher perceived work ability and fewer retirement intentions. RESULTS: Work engagement and all its dimensions were associated with higher perceived work ability (p<.001) and fewer retirement intentions (p<.001). All the associations remained significant even when adjusted for sociodemographic variables, perceived health, job strain and physical strenuousness of work. CONCLUSIONS: Work engagement may play a role in perceived work ability and early retirement intentions.