Why older workers work beyond the retirement age: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundThe aims of the present study were to: 1) gain insight into reasons for working beyond the statutory retirement age from older workers’ perspectives, and 2) explore how the domains of the research framework Study on Transitions in Employment, Ability and Motivation (STREAM) can be applied to working beyond retirement age.MethodsA qualitative research design included individual interviews (n = 15) and three focus groups (n = 18 participants) conducted with older workers aged 65 years and older continuing in a paid job or self-employment. Interview participants were recruited from an existing STREAM cohort study. Focus group participants were recruited from companies and employment agencies. The data were subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThe most important motives for working beyond retirement age were maintaining daily routines and financial benefit. Good health and flexible work arrangements were mentioned as important preconditions. The themes emerging from the categorization of the motives and preconditions corresponded to the domains of health, work characteristics, skills and knowledge, and social and financial factors from the STREAM research framework. However, our analysis revealed one additional theme—purpose in life.ConclusionThis study offers important new insights into the various preconditions and motives that influence working beyond retirement age. In addition, the five domains of the STREAM research framework, including the additional domain of ‘purpose in life’, seem to be applicable to working beyond retirement age. This knowledge contributes to the development of work-related interventions that enhance older workers’ motivation to prolong their working lives.

Active Ageing In Malaysia: Case Study In Georgetown

“…However, this finding also stated that older men elderly were mostly travelled to go to work rather than older women elderly, and it is similar to the available statistics pertaining to selected European countries underline that older women tend to travel less for work than men do. According to Sewdas et al (2017), the most important motives for working beyond retirement age were maintaining daily routines and financial benefit. In addition, all elderly was also travelled for business, recreation and medicine examinations purposes.…”

Older Women’s Experiences in the Icelandic Workforce – Positive or Negative?

“…On the individual level, both work motivation, health and financial situation have been found to be influential factors for work participation of older employees beyond retirement age (De Wind et al 2014). For work characteristics, the flexibility that is offered on the working arrangement as well as the physical or psychological demands on the job have been found influential (Sewdas et al 2017). Work ability is therefore not solely the matter of the employee, as the work environment has an important role in promoting a healthy work atmosphere that enables work ability to thrive (Ilmarinen 2009).…”

“…However, the reasons for retirement or continued work beyond retirement age differ. Individual factors related to both health and financial situation as well as work characteristics such as flexibility have been found to be influential in those decisions (Sewdas et al 2017).…”

The motives of people who delay retirement: An occupational perspective

“…While twenty years ago, there were five persons of working age for every person aged 65 or over, the current average is three to one and is expected to be less than two to one by 2050 [1][2][3]. To address the demographic changes and ensure financial sustainability of welfare and pension systems, many member states have launched different strategies to promote work participation in older workers, including raising the official retirement age [4][5][6][7]. Some people also wish to work longer, viewing work as a vital part of the active aging process that enables better participation in society and self-fulfilment [7,8].…”