The Impact of Sensory Impairment on Involuntary Retirement: A 16-year Follow-up Study on National Representative Aging

초록

Objective: This study examined the association between sensory impairments and involuntary early retirement due to health reasons among aging workers. Methods: Data were obtained from a nationally representative longitudinal cohort of 3,379 Korean adults aged ≥45 years followed for 16 years. Sensory impairment was assessed by self-reported vision and hearing impairment at baseline. Early retirement, including involuntary and health-related involuntary retirement, was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for covariates. Results: Sensory impairments significantly increased involuntary early retirement risk (HR [95% CI]: vision 1.23 [1.01–1.51], hearing 1.48 [1.14–1.93], dual 1.48 [1.09–2.01]) and health-related retirement (HRs 1.29–1.53). Dual sensory impairment showed the highest risk and was associated with occupational accidents and psychological distress. Conclusion: Sensory impairment elevates involuntary early retirement risk, highlighting the need for timely intervention and workplace adaptation.

키워드