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Introduction: The concept of “wear and tear” of the body due to work is frequently referenced in public debates about retirement policies in Denmark but lacks scientific definition. This study explores the subjective experience of wear and tear of the body (in Danish “nedslidning”) among older Danish workers using a data-driven approach to establish a clearer understanding of this phenomenon.

Methods: Data were collected from 13,227 employed individuals aged 50+ years who participated in the 2022 SeniorWorkingLife survey in Denmark. Through exploratory correlation analyses and multivariate modeling, we identified factors most strongly associated with self-reported wear and tear of the body. The analyses incorporated demographic variables, lifestyle factors, and work-related measures.

Results: Among older workers, 71% reported little or no perceived wear and tear of the body, 21% reported moderate levels, and 8% reported high or very high levels. Multivariate analyses revealed that the strongest factors associated with perceived wear and tear of the body were (in descending order): physical exertion during work, work-limiting musculoskeletal pain, reduced vitality, frequency of musculoskeletal pain, and poor self-rated health. These factors collectively explained 62% of the variation in perceived wear and tear of the body, while demographic and lifestyle factors contributed minimally when accounting for work and health factors.

Discussion: This study provides an empirical understanding of perceived wear and tear of the body as primarily characterized by high physical exertion, work-limiting musculoskeletal pain, reduced vitality, and poor self-rated health. Prevention strategies should focus on balancing physical job demands with workers’ musculoskeletal health capacities and addressing pain management in the workplace to extend working lives among older workers.

Conclusion: Perceived wear and tear of the body among older Danish workers is predominantly characterized by high physical work demands and musculoskeletal health issues, suggesting targeted workplace interventions addressing these specific factors.