Research: Investigation of Effect of Providing Yoga and Other Vitality Intervention on Older Workers

Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health has evaluated the effectiveness of a worksite vitality intervention on vigorous physical activity (VPA), fruit intake, aerobic capacity, mental health and need for recovery after work among older hospital workers (ie, 45 years and older). According to the Dutch researchers (Jorien E Strijk, Karin I Proper, Allard J van der Beek, and Willem van Mechelen) who carried out the research at two hospitals, implementation of worksite yoga and workout facilities and minimal fruit interventions should be considered by employers to promote transitions into healthier lifestyles and thereby health.

The research grew out of the premise that longer life expectancies and lower birth rates are leading to an aging society and subsequently a shrinkage of the workforce, so that aging workers are required in the near future. However, efforts just to raise retirement ages will not overcome the physical effects of aging. Thus, in order to prolong the working life of older workers and increase their employability, it is important to promote and maintain good health.

This study showed that intervention group workers significantly increased their weekly sports activities and fruit intake when compared to control group workers. Also, the intervention favourably affected the NFR after a day of work. No effects were observed for VPA, aerobic capacity and mental health.

The authors had earlier published an article on "A process evaluation of a worksite vitality intervention among ageing hospital workers" in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health "A worksite vitality intervention to improve older workers' lifestyle and vitality-related outcomes: results of a randomised controlled trial." (January 20, 2012)