The Intersections of Aging, Work, and Health in a Changing World

The ongoing demographic transition, marked by the accelerated aging of the global population, is profoundly transforming contemporary social, economic, and health dynamics. Increased life expectancy, combined with rising retirement ages and changes in production models, challenges public health systems and labor markets to adapt to new realities. Older adults remain active for longer periods, requiring policies, practices, and environments that promote not only productivity but also well-being, equity, and dignity at all stages of life. In this context, it is essential to understand aging as a multifaceted process, influenced by biological, social, economic, cultural, and environmental determinants, which interact throughout the life course and directly impact health and social participation.

This Research Topic aims to explore the intersections between aging, work, and health from an interdisciplinary perspective. We welcome studies addressing topics such as, but not limited to:
• The promotion of healthy aging;
• The adaptation of work environments;
• Prevention of chronic diseases and disabilities;
• Management of intergenerational work, care and social protection policies;
• Technological innovations aimed at the inclusion and safety of older adults.

Research examining social inequalities, gender differences, informal and rural work, and the implications of digitalization and automation on aging workforces are also strongly encouraged. Furthermore, this Research Topic will focus on public policy analyses, epidemiological studies, intervention evaluations, and qualitative or mixed-method approaches that expand understanding of the links between aging, work, and health, contributing to the development of healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable societies.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review

Keywords: healthy aging, work, social inequalities, gender differences, technological interventions, safety, work policies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.