Factors influencing perceived health status among elderly workers: occupational stress, frailty, sleep quality, and motives for food choices

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate occupational stress, frailty, sleep quality, and motives for food choices as key factors affecting the perceived health status among elderly workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 175 participants at the Community Senior Club in an urban area. The data was collected from November to December 2018. Pearson’s correlation analyses were performed for perceived health status, occupational stress, sleep quality, and motives for food choices. Multivariate linear regression was adjusted for general characteristics such as age, gender, level of education, living arrangements, and the number of illnesses. RESULTS: Occupational stress (r=−0.195, p<0.001), frailty (r=−0.468, p<0.001), and sleep quality scores (r=−0.306, p<0.001) showed significant negative correlations with perceived health status. Conversely, 5 motives for food choices (health, weight control, price, sensory appeal, and mood) were positively correlated with perceived health status. Linear regression analysis showed that occupational stress (β=−0.195, p<0.001), frailty (β=−0.420, p<0.001), and motives for food choices based on sensory appeal (β=0.240, p<0.001) were significant influencing factors for perceived health status. CONCLUSION: We found that occupational stress, frailty, and motives for food choices based on sensory appeal were significant factors for elderly worker health. This suggests that it is important to consider occupational stress, frailty, and motivation for food choices when examining the health of elderly workers. There is a need for more tailored health promotion interventions when considering these factors and the elderly population.