Table 2 Dimension, score, class and domain of WAI of older workers

 1) Current work ability compared with the lifetime best

7.9 (1.4)

7.5 (1.6)

0.016^a

 2) Work ability in relation to the demands of the job

8.7 (1.4)

7.8 (1.6)

< 0.001^a

 3) Numbers of current diseases diagnosed by a physician

5.7 (1.7)

5.3 (1.7)

0.028^a

 4) Estimated work impairment due to diseases

4.5 (1.4)

4.1 (1.8)

0.022^a

 5) Sick leave during the past year (12 months)

4.6 (0.6)

4.5 (0.8)

0.019^a

 6) Personal prognosis of work ability 2 years from now

5.6 (1.6)

5.1 (1.6)

0.004^a

 7) Mental resources

3.4 (0.6)

3.3 (0.7)

0.023^a

Total work ability index score: mean (SD)

40.6 (4.6)

37.5 (5.0)

< 0.001^a

 Good - Excellent

58 (81.7)

158 (62.5)

0.002^b

 Poor - Moderate

13 (18.3)

95 (37.5)

 Perception of work ability

< 0.001^b

  Weak

25 (35.2)

145 (57.3)

 Strong

46 (64.8)

108 (42.7)

 Health status

< 0.001^b

  Bad

31 (43.7)

166 (65.6)

  good

40 (56.3)

87 (34.4)

 Mental resources

0.228^b

  Weak

35 (49.3)

158 (62.5)

  Strong

36 (50.7)

195 (37.5)