Researchers looked at 18 studies to understand how digital tools at work impact the physical health of people aged 50 and older. They found that while technology like computers and teleworking can cause problems like eye strain and neck pain, it can also help with weight management and getting more physical activity. The key takeaway is that workplace technology has both good and bad effects on older workers’ bodies, and companies should take steps to protect their employees’ health when using these tools.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How digital technology and tools used at work affect the physical health of workers who are 50 years old or older
  • Who participated: Analysis of 18 research studies published between 2012 and 2024, mostly from Europe and Asia, looking at older workers using various digital technologies
  • Key finding: Digital technology at work creates a mixed picture: it causes problems like eye strain, neck and back pain, and hearing issues, but it also helps with weight management, heart health, and physical activity levels
  • What it means for you: If you’re an older worker using computers or digital tools, be aware of potential eye and muscle strain, but know that these same tools can support your overall fitness. Talk to your employer about making your workspace healthier and taking regular breaks from screens.

The Research Details

This was a scoping review, which means researchers searched through scientific databases to find all the studies already done on this topic. They looked at 7 different databases and found 18 studies that met their criteria. A team of 13 researchers carefully read through each study to make sure it was about workers aged 50 or older, involved some kind of digital technology (like computers, teleworking, or digital tools), and measured effects on physical health (not mental health). Each study was reviewed by at least two researchers to make sure they didn’t miss anything important.

The researchers organized their findings into six main areas: eye health, muscle and bone health, weight and heart health, workplace noise levels, and how older workers experience new technologies. They looked at studies from around the world, with most coming from Europe and Asia. This approach allowed them to get a broad picture of what research has already shown about technology and older workers’ health.

A scoping review is useful when researchers want to understand what’s already known about a topic before doing new research. Since digital technology is becoming more common in workplaces and older workers are staying in jobs longer, it’s important to understand how these tools affect their health. This type of review helps identify patterns across many studies and shows where more research is needed.

This review followed strict international guidelines (PRISMA-ScR) for how to conduct and report scoping reviews, which makes it reliable. The fact that multiple researchers reviewed each study independently and discussed any disagreements strengthens the findings. However, because this is a review of other studies rather than original research, the quality depends on the studies included. The researchers only looked at published studies in English, which means some research from other countries or languages may have been missed.

What the Results Show

The research identified six main ways digital technology affects older workers’ physical health. First, eye health suffered from prolonged screen use, with workers reporting eye strain and vision problems. Second, musculoskeletal issues—meaning neck, back, and shoulder pain—were common among workers using computers regularly. Third, hearing health was negatively affected by workplace noise from digital equipment. However, the picture wasn’t all negative.

On the positive side, digital technology helped with weight management and cardiovascular (heart) health. Workers using certain digital tools were more physically active and reported feeling better overall about their physical health. Some technologies, like fitness trackers or teleworking options, appeared to support healthier lifestyles. The research shows that the same technology can have both helpful and harmful effects depending on how it’s used and how workers protect themselves.

Beyond the main findings, researchers noted that older workers’ experiences with new technologies varied. Some workers adapted well and benefited from flexibility in how they worked, while others struggled with the physical demands. The studies also showed that the negative effects (like eye strain) were often preventable with proper workplace setup, breaks, and ergonomic adjustments. This suggests that the problems aren’t inevitable—they can be reduced with the right approach.

This review builds on earlier research that showed digital technology affects worker health, but it’s one of the first to specifically focus on older workers. Previous studies often looked at younger workers or didn’t separate results by age group. By focusing on workers 50 and older, this review reveals that older workers may face unique challenges with technology, such as greater susceptibility to eye strain due to age-related vision changes. The mixed findings (both positive and negative effects) align with what other research has suggested: technology itself isn’t good or bad for health—it depends on how it’s used.

This review has several important limitations to consider. First, the researchers only looked at studies published in English, so research from non-English speaking countries may have been missed. Second, the 18 studies included varied widely in quality and how they measured health effects, making it hard to compare results directly. Third, the review didn’t include studies focused only on mental health, so we don’t know if there are connections between physical and mental health effects. Finally, because technology and workplaces are constantly changing, some older studies may not reflect current digital tools and work environments.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an older worker using digital technology, take these steps: (1) Take regular breaks from screens—at least 20 minutes away from your computer every 2 hours; (2) Set up your workspace properly with your monitor at eye level and your chair supporting your back; (3) Use blue light glasses if you spend many hours on screens; (4) Stay physically active throughout your day, even if your job involves sitting; (5) Talk to your employer about ergonomic assessments and workplace health programs. These recommendations are supported by moderate evidence from the research reviewed.

This research is most relevant for workers aged 50 and older who use computers or digital tools regularly. Employers should care because protecting older workers’ health can reduce sick days and improve productivity. Occupational health professionals should use these findings to design better workplace interventions. Younger workers may also benefit from these recommendations as a way to prevent problems later in life. However, these findings may not apply to workers in jobs with minimal technology use.

You may notice improvements in eye strain within days of taking regular screen breaks and adjusting your workspace. Musculoskeletal pain (neck and back) typically improves within 2-4 weeks of ergonomic changes and stretching. Benefits to cardiovascular health and weight management from increased physical activity may take 4-8 weeks to become noticeable. The key is consistency—these changes work best when practiced regularly over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily screen time and breaks taken. Set a goal to take a 5-minute break every hour, and log whether you met this goal. Also track any eye strain or neck/back pain on a scale of 1-10 at the end of each workday to see if breaks and ergonomic changes help.
  • Use the app to set hourly reminders to step away from your screen and do 2-3 minutes of stretching or walking. Create a checklist for proper workspace setup (monitor height, chair position, lighting) and review it weekly. Log physical activity outside of work to balance sedentary computer time.
  • Weekly review your screen break compliance and pain levels to identify patterns. Monthly, reassess your workspace setup and make adjustments as needed. Track trends over 8-12 weeks to see if consistent breaks and ergonomic improvements reduce eye strain and musculoskeletal pain. Share this data with your employer or occupational health provider to advocate for workplace improvements.

This review summarizes existing research and does not provide medical advice. If you experience persistent eye strain, neck pain, back pain, or hearing problems, consult with a healthcare provider or occupational health specialist. The findings represent general patterns across studies and may not apply to your individual situation. Always discuss workplace health concerns with your employer and consider professional ergonomic assessment. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical or occupational health guidance.