In the oil and gas industry, employees are often transported to geographically remote areas for temporary work instead relocate there permanently with their families.

Working non-standard hours -- often called "shift work" -- for many years is not only hard on the body, but may also dull the mind, new research suggests. According to the study, those who do shift work for more than 10 years seem to have the equivalent of an extra 6.5 years of age-related decline in memory and thinking skills.