Vol.:(0123456789) 1 3 Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-020-09894-y Insights into the Sustainable Return to Work of Aging Workers with a Work Disability: An Interpretative Description Study Marie‑José Durand 1,2,3  · Marie‑France Coutu 1,2,3  · Dominique Tremblay 2,4  · Chantal Sylvain 1,2,3  · Marie‑Michelle Gouin 5  · Karine Bilodeau 6  · Laurie Kirouac 7  · Marie‑Andrée Paquette 1,2  · Iuliana Nastasia 8  · Daniel Coté 8 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020 Abstract Purpose A sustainable return to work (S-RTW) following prolonged work disability poses particular challenges as workers age. This article provides a synthesis of the factors and issues involved in a S-RTW process for aging workers following such a disability. Methods Using interpretive description methods, a critical review was conducted of the literature specify- ing return-to-work factors and issues for aging workers with regard to four major causes of work disability (musculoskeletal disorders, common mental disorders, cancer or other chronic diseases). The initial review concerned the 2000–2016 litera- ture, and was subsequently updated for November 2016–December 2018. To further explore and contextualise the results of this literature review, four focus groups were held with stakeholders, representing the workplace, insurance, and healthcare systems and workers. Qualitative thematic analysis was performed. Results Fifty-five articles were reviewed and 35 stakehold- ers participated in the focus groups. Returning to work and staying at work appear to be particularly challenging for aging workers, who face notable issues and stigma concerning their ability to meet work demands, as well as their mobilisation and engagement in these processes. Such findings echo in many ways the main assertions of the literature on aging at work, except those regarding the transformation of capacities with aging, which is not mentioned in relation to workers with a work disability. The influence of healthcare and compensation systems on the S-RTW of aging work-disabled workers has also received little attention to date. Conclusions The results underscore that aging workers with a disability are frequently vulnerable in terms of their health or their jobs. Intersectoral efforts are needed to remedy this situation to keep them at work. Keywords Return to work · Aging worker · Work disability · Sick leave · Rehabilitation Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-020-09894-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users. * Marie-José Durand Marie-Jose.Durand@USherbrooke.ca 1 Centre d’action en prévention et réadaptation des incapacités au travail (CAPRIT), Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Suite 200, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada 2 Centre de recherche Charles-Le Moyne-Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean sur les innovations en santé (CR-CSIS), Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Suite 200, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada 3 School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Suite 200, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada 4 School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, QC J4K 0A8, Canada 5 Department of Management and Human Resource Management, School of Management, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada 6 Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Station Centre-ville, PO Box 6128, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada 7 Department of Industrial Relations, Université Laval, 1025 avenue des Sciences-Humaines, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada 8 Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), 505 Boulevard De Maisonneuve West, Montreal, QC H3A 3C2, Canada