Older workers are the healthy ‘survivors’ of the workplace as worker stress levels peak between the age of 50-55, according to new research, led by Amanda Griffiths, professor of occupational health psychology on behalf of TAEN - The Age and Employment Network, Age Concern and Help the Aged.

This research suggests that the reason studies show fewer workers in their 60s report lower stress levels might be due to having left stressful or demanding posts, having already retired voluntarily or because of ill health, or increasing seniority offers more control over their working life, which makes it less stressful.

Griffiths says: “Work-related stress is thought to be responsible for more lost working days than any other cause and it is becoming clear that it is also one factor affecting older workers’ willingness and ability to remain in the labour force. Therefore, protecting tomorrow’s older workers, as well as today’s, will pay dividends, as older workers will form a major part of tomorrow’s workforce.”