Functional limitations in 2004-22 among Europeans aged 55-69 years: time trends according to labor market group and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic

In terms of work ability, impacts of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on functional ability warrant investigation. The aim is to explore trends in functional limitations in 2004-22 focusing on the impacts of the pandemic among older working-aged Europeans in different labor market groups and at different levels of COVID-19 stringency policies. Data come from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) collected in 2004-22. Individuals aged 55-69 years from 27 countries were included (N = 245 060). Outcome was functional limitations (Global Activity Limitation Index). Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze time trends and COVID-19 impacts within labor market groups and at different levels of COVID-19 stringency policies. In 2004-22, the likelihood of functional limitations increased slightly among men but remained the same among women. Functional limitations were more likely in countries with low and moderate as compared to high COVID-19 stringency (which represents mostly Southern Europe) in both women and men. During the ∼1st year of the pandemic, likelihood of functional limitations decreased especially in countries with moderate COVID-19 stringency. Decreases were observed in all labor market groups. During the ∼2nd year of the pandemic, the likelihood of functional limitations increased in time but not statistically significantly in most groups. Policymakers should be aware of trends in functional limitations and the impacts of policy decisions while pursuing to prolong work careers. Further investigation is required to verify our findings and to explore underlying reasons behind the decreases in functional limitations after the pandemic.