Association between health-related quality of life and work status in older Korean adults

Abstract

Aim Employment status has consistently been associated with health‐related quality of life. This study investigated the effect of age on the association between work status and health‐related quality of life in Korean adults using a large, nationally representative sample. Methods We used data from the Korean Health Panel, and ran a series of random effects panel models to test the relationship between quality of life as measured by the EuroQol five‐dimension questionnaire and work status. The moderation effect of age on the relationship between quality of life and work status was also tested in the same model. Results Overall, Korean adults who were employed reported a higher level of quality of life than those who were unemployed. Furthermore, the relationship between quality of life and work status was stronger for those who were aged ≥60 years compared with those who were not. Conclusions Employment status among older people was found to have a greater association on quality of life than among younger people. Thus, it is necessary to carry out further research for employment status of older people about the relationship with quality of life.