Multidisciplinary Approach to Explain the Association between Mental Demands at Work on Cognitive Functioning in Old Age

Einleitung Previous work has shown that mental demands are associated with cognitive functioning in old age. As there is a lack of a general theoretical framework of how high mental demands at work together with the occupational context shape cognitive functioning, the aim of the study was to investigate factors in the occupational context as a foundation for developing such a framework.

Methoden An expert panel discussion determined the factors that were then tested in a survey with 346 employees aged 50+ years, who were actively working. The association between these occupational context factors and mental work demands on cognitive functioning was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and structure equation modelling.

Ergebnisse Results indicated that mental demands are only associated with cognitive functioning in old age to the extent that they are intellectually stimulating and this effect is embedded individual capacities and the social context.

Fazit Based on the empirical testing of a conceptual framework suggested by experts, we propose the Social Dependency Theory of Intellectual Stimulation on Cognitive Health. We recommend researchers and workplace health experts to pay attention to the component of this theory when assessing workplace risk.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 September 2021