Table 1 Comprehensive classification of included articles

Ariyoshi (2009) [17], Japan

To evaluate the impact of interventions for menopausal symptoms among employees.

Evaluation included surveys of current employees or former employees with symptoms of menopause and case studies of three women. Interviews with women in their 40s and 50s.

Employees at a newspaper company, employees with symptoms of menopause and case studies of three women.

Development of women’s health management support system, gynecologic check-ups, consultation with the occupational health nurse and occupational physician, etc.

Comparisons before and after implementing changes in the health system revealed that the number of women describing symptoms of menopause decreased from 5 to 0. The number of women retiring or dying while still employed also decreased as well as the number of sick leaves. Interventions for menopause, such as mental health interventions, require specific human resources and systemic support.

Clooster-mans et al. (2015) [18], Nether-lands

To summarize literature on the effects of interventions for ageing workers that address retirement, work ability and work productivity.

A systematic review of four studies.

Workers aged > 40.

Individual (e.g. exercise) programs, workplace programs, personal coach, weekly guided exercise, yoga sessions, free fruit, counselling and education, occupational program for ageing workers by occupational physician, financial support to implement rehabilitation activities.

Limited evidence for a favorable effect on early retirement was found.

Workers in the intervention group took later retirement than those in the control group. The risk of early retirement in the plant that received more financial support was about twice as low as the plant with less support.

Costa et al. (2011) [19], Portugal

Goal of creating a decision-making framework oriented toward the maintenance of the health and working ability of aged computer workers.

Assessment of work ability.

Fifty IT workers, mean age 50,8 years old (37–63 years) participated in this study.

Work Ability Index (WAI).

78% of participants had good or excellent work ability and only 2% poor work ability. This study confirms that work ability decreases in workers alongside aging. The evaluation of work ability was elementary to ensuring an age-friendly workplace. The WAI was used to evaluate work ability. The results can help with the early identification of employees with weak work ability, helping to improve working conditions and support the continued working career of workers at their current job.

Kohro et al. (2008) [20], Japan

To screen individuals who are likely to develop lifestyle related diseases and provide early intervention programs.

Review/follow-up study.

Workplace employees and elderly people (65–74 years), all citizens in Japan.

Health campaigns, health checks, counselling intervention.

Nationwide program may raise public awareness.

Intervention programs with short follow-up periods are successful regarding cardiovascular risks, but general clinical benefits are observed first about 10 years after intervention.

Koolhaas et al. (2010) [21], Netherlands

To evaluate the process and effectiveness of the intervention compared with care as usual.

Research on workplace health promotion.

Cluster- randomized controlled trial design with a 1-year follow-up.

Workers aged 45 years and older;

n = workers from intensive care, administration, personnel, executive workers and department supervisors.

Measurements at 3, 6 and 12 months using WAI (work ability), self-reported 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12; vitality), QQ-method (productivity).

The primary outcomes are work ability, vitality and productivity. The intervention offers a structured method for workers to communicate with their supervisor about their work environment, barriers to work performance and career opportunities.

Strijk et al. (2013) [22], Netherlands

A worksite lifestyle intervention to improve lifestyle behaviors, to keep older workers vital and thereby prolong their labor participation.

A randomized controlled trial design.

367 workers from two academic hospitals.

Age ≥ 45 years

6-month intervention: weekly guided group sessions (one yoga, one workout) plus weekly session (aerobic exercise). Individual coach visits aimed at changing workers’ lifestyle behavior. Free fruit provided at guided sessions.

No significant differences in vitality, work engagement, productivity or sick leave were seen between the intervention and control group workers after either 6- or 12-month follow-up. Yoga and workout subgroup analyses showed a 12-month favorable effect on work-related vitality. Implementation of worksite yoga facilities could be a useful strategy to promote vitality-related work outcomes, but only if high compliance can be maximized.

Veller et al. (2007) [23], South Africa

To assess the feasibility and affordability of a targeted screening program for abdominal aortic aneurysms in a group of employer-based medical schemes.

Database review and data extraction, member enrolment by mail. Ultrasound screening.

207 males, 60–65 years.

Advice to consult the doctor if they were smoking or had a cardiovascul-ar disease.

Ultrasound screening.

Screening and findings, type and cost of interventions recommended by provider. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms reduces morbidity and mortality but at a significant cost; costly intervention.

Wagner et al. (2008) [24], Germany

The effect of cognitive-training programs.

A cognitive-training program was implemented and evaluated.

Middle-aged employees (n = 33), 50–59 years, were included in the study at the Psycho-somatic Clinic Bad Neustadt.

Training sessions

7 × 60–90 min, behavioral analysis, behavioral therapy.

Memory performance of the intervention group improved significantly between intake and discharge. A cognitive-training program is useful and effective in patients with mild cognitive impairment.