Factors influencing the decision to extend working life or retire

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate factors within nine identified areas that influence why some older workers want to (or believe they can) work until age 65 years or beyond, whereas others leave the workforce earlier. MethodsThe questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study included 1792 respondents aged 55-64 years, employed in the healthcare sector in Sweden. Using logistic regression, we investigated the associations between statements within nine areas and two outcome measures: (i) whether the individual wanted to work until age 65 years or beyond and (ii) whether the individual believed they can work until age 65 years or beyond. ResultsOf the 1792 respondents, 54% stated that they "can" and 38% that they "want to" work until age 65 years or beyond. Three areas were significantly associated with both these outcomes: worker health, economic incentives, and retirement decisions by life partners or close friends. Mental and physical working environment, work pace and skills/competence were associated with the "can" outcome, whereas work as an important part of life, working time, and management attitude to older workers were associated with the "want to" outcome. ConclusionAlthough there were differences regarding the associations between six of the areas and the two outcomes (ie, "can" and "want to" go on working until age 65 years or beyond), three of the areas were important to both outcomes. Among those, it was interesting that life partner or close social environment gave higher odds ratios than for example health, physical work environment, or work satisfaction.Key terms employee; motivation; older worker; organization; retirement; work ability; work environment. In most of the industrial world, the fraction of older people is continuously increasing (1). A work session on demographic projections in Lisbon in 2010 stated that current demographic trends, characterized by low fertility and increasing longevity and leading to an ageing population, have economic and budgetary implications (2). A consequence analysis carried out by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) compared the elderly boom to the social effect arising from natural disasters (3). In the OECD countries, it is estimated that 29% of men and 34% of women will be ≥60 years in 2050, compared with 15% of men and 20% of women in 2000 (4). In the EU25 (European Union of 25 members), more than 33% of men and 38% of women are estimated to be ≥60 years in 2050, up from 18% of men and 24% of women in 2000 (4). The demographic situation is similar in most of the Western world and in the Nordic countries, as illustrated by the following predicted figures for men and women, respectively, in 2050: USA 24% and 28%; Sweden 28% and 30%; Finland 31% and 35%; Germany 34% and 39% (4).The demographic change will result in an increased old age dependency ratio when fewer in the workforce have to provide for more elderly people. For the EU27, the old age dependency ratio is expected to rise from 25% in 2008 to 38% in 2030. In ...

The influence of poor health on competing exit routes from paid employment among older workers in 11 European countries

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Poor health, unhealthy behaviors, and unfavorable work characteristics influence pathways of exit from paid employment among older workers in Europe: a four year follow-up study

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The contribution of overweight, obesity, and lack of physical activity to exit from paid employment: a meta-analysis

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