Longitudinal Associations of Job Demand-Control Characteristics With Objective and Subjective Cognitive Outcomes in Older Workers: The Health and Retirement Study.

BACKGROUND: The job demand-control (JDC) psychosocial work model has demonstrated effects on objective cognitive performance, but its association with subjective memory is still poorly understood. We examined longitudinal associations of JDC characteristics with objective (general cognitive function/episodic memory) and subjective (perceived memory) cognition.

METHODS: Using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, 3497 workers aged 50+ were followed from 2006-2008 to 2018. Self-reported job demand and job control were dichotomized and later combined into quadrants reflecting high/low job strain and active/passive jobs. Analyses used covariate-adjusted generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS: High job control was significantly positively associated with general cognitive function (regression coefficient: 0.409, p < 0.001), episodic memory (0.373, p < 0.001), and subjective memory (0.057, p = 0.034). "Low demand and high control" (low strain work) exhibited significant, positive associations with all cognitive outcomes. "High demand and high control" (active work) was significantly positively associated with objective cognitive outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities for enhancing job control may promote objective cognition and subjective memory health in the US aging workforce.