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Mental Health

Statistic # 764

“About one of every eight male employees 50 or more years old (13 percent) exhibit self-reported symptoms of poor mental health compared to one of every five women (20 percent) in this age group-a significant difference, suggesting that older men have better mental health on average than older women.” (Table 10, p.14)

“This report is the second in a series of Research Highlights published by the Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility in collaboration with the Families and Work Institute. These Research Highlights present the findings of in-depth analyses of the Families and Work Institute’s 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). This report compares and contrasts the experiences of men and women, 50 and older, in the U.S. workforce. Gender is an important lens for examining the employment experiences of older workers, in part because the work and family histories of men and women tend to vary across the course of their lives…The National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW) is conducted every five years. It surveys large samples of the U.S. workforce to collect information about both the work and personal lives of U.S. workers.”

Mental Health

Statistic # 1709

According to the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, 95.2% of respondents aged 18-44 years old reported that they were "not limited in work" because of physical, mental or emotional problems. Similarly, no limitations in work were reported by 86.8% of those aged 45-64 and 80.9% of those aged 65-69 years old. (Table 6, p. 21)

Adams, P. F., Dey, A. N., & Vickerie, J. L. (2007). Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National health interview survey, 2005. Vital and health statistics.Series 10, Data from the National Health Survey(233), 1-104.

NHIS is a household, multistage probability sample survey conducted annually by interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2005, household interviews were completed for 98,649 persons living in 38,509 households, reflecting a household response rate of 86.5%. This paper reflects the survey's findings.

Mental Health

Statistic # 1729

For workers over the age of 40, the top four STD [short-term disability] impairments with the longest durations of time away from work are cancer and mental health disorders, e.g. depression (between 75-80 days) and musculoskeletal and circulatory disorders (between 70-75 days), according to analysis of the 2002-04 UnumProvident Disability Database. (Fig. 2.9, p. 7)

UnumProvident Company. (2005). Health and productivity in the aging American workforce: Realities and opportunities. Chattanooga, TN: UnumProvident Company.

Data for this publication was generated by using UnumProvident's disability database.

Mental Health

Statistic # 1736

According to the 2001-02 American Productivity Audit, the prevalence of depression among workers of all ages was 9.4% during a 2-week study period; among ages 18-35, the prevalance was 8.2%; among ages 35-40, 10.7%, and among ages 50-65, 9.1%. (Table 2, p. 3140) Among the workers with depression, 77.1% reported some lost productive time (LPT) related to depressive symptoms. LPT among depressed individuals was primarily explained by LPT while at work (82.1%). (p. 3140)

Stewart, W. F., Ricci, J. A., Chee, E., Hahn, S. R., & Morganstein, D. (2003). Cost of lost productive work time among US workers with depression. JAMA : The Journal of the American Medical Association, 289(23), 3135-3144.

All employed individuals who participated in the American Productivity Audit (conducted August 1, 2001-July 31, 2002) between May 20 and July 11, 2002, were eligible for the Depressive Disorders Study. Those who responded affirmatively to 2 depression-screening questions (n = 692), as well as a 1:4 stratified random sample of those responding in the negative (n = 435), were recruited for and completed a supplemental interview using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders Mood Module for depression, the Somatic Symptom Inventory, and a medical and treatment history for depression. Excess lost productive time (LPT) costs from depression were derived as the difference in LPT among individuals with depression minus the expected LPT in the absence of depression projected to the US workforce.

Mental Health

Statistic # 1998

Based on analysis of 2001 BLS data, younger age groups accounted for the majority of cases of cases of anxiety, stress and neurotic disorder cases involving days away from work in private industry. Workers aged 25-34 accounted for 25.5% of cases, and workers aged 35-44 accounted for 28.2% of cases. Among older workers, those aged 45-54 accounted for 24.6% of cases, and for ages 54 and older, 14.1% of cases. (fig. 2-3)

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2004). Worker health chartbook 2004 (NIOSH Publication No. No. 2004-146). Cinncinati, OH: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/chartbook/

The Worker Health Chartbook 2004 is a descriptive epidemiologic reference on occupational morbidity and mortality in the United States,based on data collected from various surveys and surveillance programs.

Mental Health

Statistic # 2134

Using a standardized measure of depression, the 2007 National Study of the Changing Workforce found that among labor force participants, approximately half of workers of all ages reported average mental health. Among younger workers (aged 18-30), almost one-third demonstrated symptoms of poor mental health, compared to 16.6% of older workers. Good mental health was reported by approximately 20% of younger workers, 22.9% of middle aged workers, and 32.4% of older workers. (fig. 10, p. 9)

Shen, C., Pitt-Catsouphes, M., & Smyer, M. A. (2007). Today's multi-generational workforce: A proposition of value (Issue Brief No. 10). Chestnut Hill, MA: Boston College Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB10_MultiGenValue.pdf

This Issue Brief uses a lens of “human capital costs and benefits” to examine the work experiences of young employees (aged 18-30 years), employees at mid-life (31-49 years), and older employees (50 years and older). Many of the findings discussed in this Issue Brief are the result of new analyses completed using information gathered from the wage and salaried workers (N = 2,785) who responded to the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). 25% of the respondents who provided their ages were between the ages of 18-30, 48% were between the ages of 31-49, and 27% were 50 years or older. The National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW) is conducted every five years. It surveys large samples of the U.S. workforce to collect information about both the work and personal lives of U.S. workers. (p. 1)

Mental Health

Statistic # 2135

A 2007 analysis of data from the National Study of the Changing Workforce indicates that 37% of employees between the ages of 31-49 years report feeling "often/very often" overwhelmed by the amount of work they have to do on the job, compared to 33% for workers over 50 years of age and 18-30 years of age. (fig. 11, p. 9)

Mental Health

Statistic # 2143

According to data from a 2006 national survey, psychological distress is highest among 17-44 year olds; it decreases for 45-64 year olds, and then increases slightly among 65-79 year olds. Adults 50 years of age and older are less likely than younger adults to exhibit serious psychological distress in the preceding year.(fig. 3, p. 3)

Johnson, J. K. M., Pitt-Catsouphes, M., Besen, E., Smyer, M., & Matz-Costa, C. (2008). Quality of employment and life-satisfaction: A relationship that matters for older workers (Issue Brief No. 13). Chestnut Hill, MA: Boston College Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB13_LifeSatisfaction.pdf

Drawing on data from various sources, this issue brief offers insights about how employment experiences affect the life satisfaction of older workers.

Mental Health

Statistic # 2166

Information from the 2007 National Study of Business Strategy and Workforce Development shows that 32.4% of workers 50 and older describe themselves as having good mental health, while 51% claim to have average mental health, and 16.6% have poor mental health. Comparatively, workers aged 31-49 report at rates of 22.9% (good), 50.5% (average), and 26.6% (poor). Workers aged 18-30 self-report rates of 19.4% (good), 49.3% (average), and 31.2% (poor). (Fig. 10, p. 9)

Shen, C., Pitt-Catsouphes, M., & Smyer, M. A. (2007). Today's multi-generational workforce: A proposition of value (Issue Brief No. 10). Chestnut Hill, MA: Boston College Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility. Retrieved from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/IB10_MultiGenValue.pdf

This Issue Brief uses a lens of "human capital costs and benefits" to examine the work experiences of young employees (aged 18-30 years), employees at mid-life (31-49 years), and older employees (50 years and older). Many of the findings discussed in this Issue Brief are the result of new analyses completed using information gathered from the wage and salaried workers (N = 2,785) who responded to the 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). 25% of the respondents who provided their ages were between the ages of 18-30, 48% were between the ages of 31-49, and 27% were 50 years or older. The National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW) is conducted every five years. It surveys large samples of the U.S. workforce to collect information about both the work and personal lives of U.S. workers. (p. 1)

Mental Health

Statistic # 2376

According to a 2007 study by the American Psychiatric Association, "employed Americans report that the leading sources of stress at work are low salaries (44 percent); heavy work load (41 percent); lack of opportunities for advancement (40 percent); uncertain job expectations (40 percent); and long hours (39 percent). (p. 11)

American Psychological Association. (2007). Stress in America. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/releases/stressproblem.html

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association between August 30 and September 11, 2007, among 1,848 adults (aged 18 and over). Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

Mental Health

Statistic # 2377

According to a 2007 study by the American Psychiatric Association, "half of employees (52 percent) report that they have considered or made a decision about their career such as looking for a new job, declining a promotion or leaving a job based on workplace stress." (p. 11)

American Psychological Association. (2007). Stress in America. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/releases/stressproblem.html

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association between August 30 and September 11, 2007, among 1,848 adults (aged 18 and over). Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.

Mental Health

Statistic # 1708

According to the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, 2.9% of repondents 18-44 years old reported themselves as "unable to work" due to a physical, mental or emotional problem. That figure was 8.9% for those 45-64 years old and 10.9% for those 65-69 years old. About 2.0% of respondents reported themselves as "limited in work" due to a physical, mental or emotional problem, compared to 4.4% of those 45-64 years old and 8.2% of those 65-69 years old. (Table 6, p. 21)

Adams, P. F., Dey, A. N., & Vickerie, J. L. (2007). Summary health statistics for the U.S. population: National health interview survey, 2005. Vital and health statistics.Series 10, Data from the National Health Survey(233), 1-104.

NHIS is a household, multistage probability sample survey conducted annually by interviewers of the U.S. Census Bureau for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics. In 2005, household interviews were completed for 98,649 persons living in 38,509 households, reflecting a household response rate of 86.5%. This paper reflects the survey's findings.

Mental Health

Statistic # 1630

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the prevalence of serious psychological distress among adults ages 65 and older was 3.1in 1997-1998, 2.7 in 2000-2001, and 2.4 in 2003-2004. (p.262)

National Center on Health Statistics. (2006). Health, United States, 2006. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 29, 2007 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus06.pdf

Health, United States, 2006, is the 30th annual report on the health status of the Nation prepared by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the President and Congress. In a chartbook and 147 detailed tables, it provides an annual picture of health for the entire Nation. Trends are presented on health status and health care utilization, resources, and expenditures. (p.3)

Mental Health

Statistic # 799

According to the 2003 Eldercare Survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 29% of HR professionals reported their organization has seen "stress-related health problems" due to eldercare issues. (Table 3, p.6)

Society for Human Resource Management. (2003, December). 2003 Eldercare Survey. Alexandria, VA: Burke, E. M.

“In June 2003, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) conducted a survey on eldercare. The impact of eldercare issues on the workforce is an area of growing concern for employers and HR professionals. As more people are dealing with eldercare issues, these issues have begun to impact the workplace and are expected to increase in the years to come. The survey explored current eldercare policies and benefits, the effect of eldercare issues on workers, as well as definitions of an elder, and views of eldercare as an employer issue. The following report provides an analysis of the results. An e-mail with the survey’s Web address was sent to 2,000 randomly selected SHRM members. Of these, 1,725 were successfully delivered to respondents, and 289 HR professionals responded, yielding a response rate of 17%. The report analyzes the results of the survey. The results are analyzed first by overall responses and then by industry and organization size... “

Mental Health

Statistic # 952

According to the "Attitudes of individuals 50 and older toward phased retirement" survey conducted by the AARP, "...the desire to stay mentally active (72%) and the desire to remain productive and useful (71%) were the issues most frequently identified by workers 66+ as major reasons for working in retirement." (p.7)

AARP. (2005, March). Attitudes of individuals 50 and older toward phased retirement. Research report. Washington, DC: Brown, K.S. Retrieved June 1, 2006, from http://www.aarp.org/research/work/retirement/Articles/attitudes_of_individuals_50_and_older_toward_phase.html

"This survey of individuals ages 50 and older was designed to gauge reactions to the concept of phased retirement as outlined and to determine the extent to which phased retirement would encourage workers near traditional retirement age to remain in the workforce longer than they would have otherwise...Conducted from January 6th through January 15th 2005, the survey was fielded to panel members who were ages 50 or older...A total of 2,167 individuals participated in the survey. Of all respondents, approximately one-third were workers between the ages of 50 and 65 who plan to retire by age 65, about one-quarter were workers between the ages of 50 and 65 who plan to continue working beyond age 65, approximately one in ten were workers ages 66 or older, and the remaining one-quarter were individuals ages 50 or older who are currently retired."

Mental Health

Statistic # 1532

According to analysis of the National Study of the Changing Workforce, both men and women 50 years and older report similar levels* of job pressure. 17% of men and 19% of women report experiencing high pressure, 47% of men and 51% of women report experiencing moderate pressure, and 36% of men and 30% of women report experiencing low pressure. (p. 10, fig. 7)
*differences between men and women not statistically significant

Bond, T. J., Galinsky, M. E., Pitt-Catsouphes, M., & Smyer, M. A. (2005). The diverse employment experiences of older men and women in the workforce. (Research Highlight 02). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility. Retrieved October 25, 2007 from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/RH02_DiverseEmployExper.pdf

“This report is the second in a series of Research Highlights published by the Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility in collaboration with the Families and Work Institute. These Research Highlights present the findings of in-depth analyses of the Families and Work Institute’s 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). This report compares and contrasts the experiences of men and women, 50 and older, in the U.S. workforce. Gender is an important lens for examining the employment experiences of older workers, in part because the work and family histories of men and women tend to vary across the course of their lives…The National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW) is conducted every five years. It surveys large samples of the U.S. workforce to collect information about both the work and personal lives of U.S. workers.”

Mental Health

Statistic # 1533

According to analysis of the National Study of the Changing Workforce, among employees 50 years or older, men were more likely to be very satisfied (46%) with family life than women (32%). Women were more likely than men to be somewhat satisfied (41% vs 39%), somewhat dissatisfied (21% vs 15%), or very dissatisfied (6% vs 1%). Among older employees who are married or living with a partner, 58 percent of the men are “very satisfied” with that relationship, compared with only 49 percent of women who are “very satisfied.”

Mental Health

Statistic # 1553

According to data from the National Center on Health Statistics, 3.9 percent of individuals in the age groups of 45-54 years and 55-64 years report having severe psychological distress; 2.3 percent of individuals in the age group of 65-74 report severe psychological distress. (2006, NCHS, Table 61)

National Center on Health Statistics. (2006). Health, United States, 2006, with chartbook on trends in the health of Americans (DHHS Publication No. 2006-1232). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved October 30, 2007 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus06.pdf

Health, United States, 2006, is the 30th annual report on the health status of the Nation prepared by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the President and Congress. In a chartbook and 147 detailed tables, it provides an annual picture of health for the entire Nation. Trends are presented on health status and health care utilization, resources, and expenditures. (p. 3)

Mental Health

Statistic # 1554

Using the Health and Retirement Study Data, James and Spiro (2007) found that, among men ages 63 to 73, the disabled had average depression levels (abbreviated CES-D) of 2.4, compared to 1.4 for the retired, 1.5 for those working part-time, and 1.0 for those working full time. Among women ages 63 to 73, the disabled had average depression levels (abbreviated CES-D) of 3.1, compared to 2.0 for the retired, 1.3 for those working part-time, and 1.5 for those working full time. (James & Spiro, 2007: 161).

James, J. B., & & Spiro, A. (2007). The impact of work on the psychological health and well-being of older Americans. Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics 26: The Crown of Life: Dynamics of the Early Post-Retirement Period, 26, 153-174.

The University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study (HRS) surveys more than 22,000 Americans over the age of 50 every two years. Supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA U01AG009740), the study paints an emerging portrait of an aging America's physical and mental health, insurance coverage, financial status, family support systems, labor market status, and retirement planning.

Mental Health

Statistic # 1616

"When compared with employees under 50 years old, older employees are significantly less likely to exhibit symptoms of poor mental health (17 percent of older employees versus 28 percent of younger employees)." (p.14)

Bond, T. J., Galinsky, M. E., Pitt-Catsouphes, M., & Smyer, M. A. (2005). The diverse employment experiences of older men and women in the workforce (Research Highlight No. 02). Chestnut Hill, MA: Center on Aging & Work / Workplace Flexibility. Retrieved October 25, 2007 from http://agingandwork.bc.edu/documents/RH02_DiverseEmployExper.pdf

"This report is the second in a series of Research Highlights published by the Center on Aging & Work/Workplace Flexibility in collaboration with the Families and Work Institute. These Research Highlights present the findings of in-depth analyses of the Families and Work Institute's 2002 National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). This report compares and contrasts the experiences of men and women, 50 and older, in the U.S. workforce. Gender is an important lens for examining the employment experiences of older workers, in part because the work and family histories of men and women tend to vary across the course of their lives. The National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW) is conducted every five years. It surveys large samples of the U.S. workforce to collect information about both the work and personal lives of U.S. workers."

Mental Health

Statistic # 1617

Using data on individuals born between 1931and 1941, James and Spiro (2007) found that the average Center for Epidemiological Studies Depressive Symptoms Scale (CESD-D) score was 1.42 when they were ages 63 to 73, compared to .8 when they were ages 51to 61. (p.158).

James, J. B., & Spiro, A. (2007). The impact of work on the psychological health and well-being of older Americans. Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics 26: The Crown of Life: Dynamics of the Early Post-Retirement Period, 153-174.

Data were drawn from the Health and Retirement Survey, 1992 to 2002. "The questions for this research were: 1) Does work status predict psychological well-being in older adults? 2) does late midlife depressive affect make it more likely that retirement will occur? and 3) does psychological health vary with change in work status?" (pp 155-156)

Mental Health

Statistic # 1628

In the 2003-2004 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 22 out of every 1,000 adults ages 55-64 reported limitation of activity due to mental illness, compared to 21 out of every 1000 45-53 year olds and 13 out of every 19-44 year olds. (p.105)

National Center on Health Statistics. (2006). Health, United States, 2006. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 29, 2007 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus06.pdf

Health, United States, 2006, is the 30th annual report on the health status of the Nation prepared by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services for the President and Congress. In a chartbook and 147 detailed tables, it provides an annual picture of health for the entire Nation. Trends are presented on health status and health care utilization, resources, and expenditures. (p.3)

Mental Health

Statistic # 1629

Using the 2005 National Health Interview Survey, a 2007 AARP report found that 84.0 percent of adults ages 50 to 64, 85.0 percent of adults ages 65 to 74, and 80.9 percent of adults ages 75 and older were without possible signs of depression. (p.32)

AARP. (2007). The state of 50+ america 2007. Washington, D.C.: Author. Retrieved November 1, 2007 from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/econ/fifty_plus_2007.pdf

The State of 50+ America 2007, AARP's fourth annual "report card" on the quality of life of Americans aged 50 and older, continues our examination of the economic, health, and social well-being of the population aged 50 and older. Any attempt to describe as complex a concept as well-being with a simple report card cannot capture the variation experienced by 87 million Americans. Nonetheless, a report card allows us to quickly scan a series of important indicators all at once and provides a sense of direction and significance of trends. (p.3)

Mental Health

Statistic # 2378

According to a 2007 study by the American Psychiatric Association, "nearly two-in-five Americans 35-54 years old report extreme levels of stress (39 percent vs. 29 percent of 18-34 year olds and 25 percent of 55+), and experience their highest level of stress for 8.2 days of each month, compared to 6.5 days for 18-34 year-olds and 6.9 days for those over 55." (p. 16)

American Psychological Association. (2007). Stress in America. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/releases/stressproblem.html

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of the American Psychological Association between August 30 and September 11, 2007, among 1,848 adults (aged 18 and over). Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population.