Conceptual and Methodological Directions of Occupational Life Course Research, Included After Pandemic Changes
Résumé
This chapter is not a conclusion but an outline of possible future directions and summary of current challenges of life course epidemiology in the field of occupational health. Thereby, it aims to integrate the introduction and the chapters of the book that each mention possible future directions and current challenges in the field. Challenges include the need for integrative approaches that take into account the transformation of the working world, the increase in inequalities, and the need for developing appropriate methodological tools. Beside addressing these challenges, core questions that remain are how can life course occupational health epidemiology develop predictions of the near future, help in prioritizing prevention actions, and quantify the effect of this prevention. Finally, the chapter uses the pandemic as an example of an event with the potential to rupture or accelerate certain transformations.