Being employed in a secure job, in addition to being rewarding, brings a sense of stability and benefits mental health. On the contrary, being unemployed, underemployed, or exposed to signs of mobbing are unsafe or stressful working conditions, with adverse consequences.

A recent study published in Occupational Medicine has found that older adults who work fewer hours may face a higher risk of depression.

The research is based on data from the “Health and Employment After Fifty” study, highlighting that less time at work does not always translate into better mental health.

Neither too much nor too little

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) recently identified long working hours as the leading cause of occupational deaths worldwide. Epidemiological studies have found associations between long working hours and health consequences such as cardiovascular disease, depression, and anxiety.

But working little or being unemployed also has serious implications due to feelings of insecurity and uncertainty.

Depression in the unemployed and in unemployed older adults is mainly caused by several psychological, social, and physical factors. In older adults, depression is associated with the loss of activities, hobbies, and paid employment, which increases the risk of depression. The loss of routine and structure, along with the negative perceptions this generates, also contributes to the onset of depression.

In addition, factors such as loneliness, dissatisfaction with life, lack of social support, dependence due to physical conditions, and abandonment of tasks contribute significantly to its development. Fear of death, the need for social communication, and hopelessness are also relevant causes in this group.

Incidence of depression

The study recruited 8,314 individuals between 50 and 64 years of age, with 3,866 participants analyzed due to the exclusion of those with pre-existing depression. Of these, 40% worked 35–40 hours a week, while 12% worked less than 20 hours.

The results revealed that the group of workers who worked between 20 and 35 hours per week showed the highest incidence of depression (37%), particularly among those with a comfortable or intermediate economic situation.

Relationship with economic situation

The study observed that older adults with a comfortable financial status and who worked less than 20 hours per week had an elevated risk of depression. In contrast, no significant associations were found in those with financial difficulties.

The study authors indicate that it is crucial to further investigate the motivations behind work decisions, as the reasons for reducing work hours can influence mental well-being.

Further analyzes in other cohorts are recommended to explore this issue and its impact on the mental health of older adults.