Researchers from Seoul National University in South Korea conducted a large-scale study to explore how work hours relate to mental health and healthy aging in older adults. The findings, published in BMC Public Health, indicate that extending the workweek beyond a certain threshold is associated with increased depressive symptoms among people aged 55 and older. The study adds to a growing body of evidence that there is a delicate balance between staying active through employment and preserving emotional well-being in later life.
In total, 5,751 volunteers participated in the research. All participants were aged 55 or older. The investigators sought to understand how the amount of time spent at work interacts with other aspects of daily life to influence healthy aging. While unemployment is known to contribute to emotional strain, the study highlights that excessive work hours can also be detrimental to mental health in older adults. The researchers therefore framed healthy aging as a balance among employment, social engagement, and personal well-being.
Data collection encompassed several dimensions. Researchers gathered information on each participant’s employment status and the quality of social life, including interactions with friends and family, participation in community events, and involvement in volunteer activities. Participants answered a set of standardized questionnaires designed to screen for depressive symptoms. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to examine how work hours, levels of social activity, and depressive symptoms were linked, while controlling for a range of socio-demographic and economic factors. These factors included age, gender, marital status, education, income, home ownership, place of residence, religious beliefs, and the presence of a spouse or children.
The results showed a clear pattern: older adults who worked more than 35 hours per week were more likely to report depressive symptoms. Yet the study also found that overall mental health tended to be better among employed individuals compared with their unemployed peers. Additionally, high levels of social interaction and engagement appeared to bolster well-being among older workers, suggesting that social connectedness can mitigate some negative mental health impacts associated with longer work hours.
Other findings underscore the importance of balance and social factors in late-life well-being. The research points to the value of policies and workplace practices that support flexible scheduling, social integration, and meaningful activities outside of work to promote healthier aging trajectories. In essence, the study reinforces the idea that staying active through work can be beneficial, but maintaining sufficient opportunities for social ties and personal leisure is crucial for emotional health in older populations.
In related observations, traditional dietary components and lifestyle patterns often interact with cognitive and emotional health in older adults. For instance, certain beverages and dietary choices previously studied for their potential benefits in aging populations may play a role in overall wellness, though this study focused primarily on work hours and social engagement as determinants of depressive symptoms and well-being among seniors.