Abstract
Background:
The increasing participation of older people in the global labor force has made their health and quality of life a significant public health concern. Integrative nursing theory, based on the philosophy of holistic healthcare, provides a multidimensional theoretical and practical framework to improve individuals’ health and quality of life. This study aimed to map the existing literature addressing the health and quality of life of older people in the workforce based on integrative nursing principles.
Methods:
This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR and Arksey and O’Malley five-step methodological framework. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched covering 2016 through January 2026. Sixty-seven studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed according to the six core principles of integrative nursing.
Results:
The findings reveal that the physical demands of work (pain/function loss, ability to stay at work), shift work, job quality, psychosocial context, socioeconomic status, and living environment (accessibility/neighborhood) all have an impact on older workers’ health and quality of life. Integrative nursing supports health and quality of life through interventions such as early risk assessment, periodic health screenings, ergonomic improvements, age-appropriate training, and psychosocial support.
Conclusion:
This scoping review highlights that integrative nursing principles, which focus holistically on the physical, mental, social, and spiritual needs of older workers.
Application to Practice:
Occupational health nurses should prioritize integrative nursing principles based intervention strategies tailored to the multifaceted needs of older workers. These evidence-based therapeutic principles can strengthen workplace health and safety while promoting sustainable and age-friendly work environments.