301 Older Farmers` Experiences of Musculoskeletal Disorders (Age and Ageing)

AbstractBackgroundAlmost a third (n=41,000) of all Irish farm holders are aged 65 years or older. Older farmers are vulnerable to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD`s) both by virtue of the nature of their work and their age. MSD`s are a known risk factor for workplace accidents and farming is the highest risk occupation in Ireland.This study aimed to explore older farmers` experiences of living with and accessing healthcare for MSD`s.MethodsA qualitative study design employing semi-structured interviews was employed. Nine Irish farmers aged 65 years and over with current or previous experience of MSD`s were recruited. All participants continued to farm on either a full-time or part-time basis. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes describing older farmers` experiences of MSD`s and healthcare were identified; (1) acceptance of MSD`s as inevitable (2) biomechanical and biological beliefs about MSD`s (3) resilience and a commitment to continuing work in response to MSD`s (4) scepticism and avoidance of healthcare.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge this is the first qualitative study of older Irish farmers` experiences of MSD`s. Findings reveal that older farmer`s experiences differ significantly from those reported by other occupational groups. Commitment to continue working permeated the findings of this study and shaped older farmers` experiences and responses to MSD`s. Older farmers accept MSD`s and pain as inevitable consequences of farming, and they respond to MSD`s with stoicism. Lack of healthcare provider knowledge about farming culture and practices contributes to older farmers` negative healthcare experiences and avoidance of healthcare. Given the prevalence of MSD`s in this population future research should focus on developing and evaluating appropriate health promoting and patient-centered interventions to support continued safe farming for older Irish farmers.