Effects of aging on tolerance and recovery from shift work: A narrative review // Effects of aging on tolerance and recovery from shift work: A systematic review

Abstract

This paper reviews evidence published on the effect of ageing on tolerance and recovery from shift work since 2011. The associations between age and shift work have been reviewed through the effects on affective disorders, health, performance and sleep- related issues. The results were mixed, from 25 articles reviewed: 12 studies suggested better shift work tolerance in certain variables among younger workers, eight studies reported the opposite results, while 12 studies found no significant correlation between age and shift work by the variables examined. Additionally, two studies reported no linear relationship, where the middle-age group was less tolerant to shift work compared to younger and older workers. The review also showed a lack of consensus about the definition and way of measuring shift work tolerance. Based on these findings, theoretical, methodological, and practical implications were discussed.