The Effects of Aging on Employment of People With and Without Disabilities

Abstract

A cross-sectional study investigated the role of both aging and disability on employment status over the life span. Current employment rates of 262 people with a disability and 115 people without a disability were compared. Impairments were polio, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, and miscellaneous. Ages ranged from 23 to 64 years. Data from the disability group represented a faster and earlier decline in employment over the life span than the comparison group. By the 60s age decade, the disability group reported a 50% reduction in employment compared to 35% for the comparison group. A significant “age by disability” interaction suggested that employment decline is a result of both aging and having a disability. A college education improved employment rates for people with disabilities in their 20s and 30s but did not prevent significant employment loss by their 40s.