Publication details
The Impact of Digitalisation on the Physical Health of Older Workers
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| Year of publication | 2026 |
| Type | Chapter in a book |
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| Description | The simultaneous ageing of the workforce and rapid digitalisation of work processes present both opportunities and risks for the physical health of workers aged 50 and above. Digital tools and health programmes can support work ability, inclusion, and disease prevention, yet may also exacerbate visual strain, cardiovascular health risks, musculoskeletal disorders, and other chronic conditions through prolonged screen time, poor ergonomics, and sedentary behaviours—particularly in telework. Low digital literacy can intensify these challenges, while regular internet use and targeted digital health interventions show protective effects. Workplace noise, including from headsets, further impacts hearing, stress, and productivity, with older workers more vulnerable due to sensory decline. Mitigation requires ergonomic adaptations, promotion of active work habits, digital upskilling, and inclusive technology design. Leadership and policy should ensure accessible tools, lifelong learning opportunities, and equitable health resources, enabling older employees to remain healthy, productive, and engaged in increasingly digitalised work environments. |