Labour market participation among older workers in their 50s and 60s and remaining life expectancy, 2015 or latest

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 890-912 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aart-Jan Riekhoff

During recent decades, labour market participation among older workers in the Netherlands has increased significantly. Postponing workers’ labour market withdrawal potentially makes their retirement patterns more uncertain and less predictable. This article uses Dutch register data to analyse de-standardisation and differentiation of retirement trajectories of men and women born between 1940 and 1946 for the age bracket of 59–65 ( N = 12,843). The results indicate that retirement trajectories of men have become more homogeneous, whereas those of women somewhat more heterogeneous. Simultaneously, retirement patterns of both men and women became more complex from one birth year to another.


2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henriette Engelhardt ◽  
Christopher Schmidt

In this paper, we investigate the effects of demographic, economic and labour market structures on labour market participation and on the transition to inactivity (exit) for older males in eleven European countries. Theoretically, our analysis is guided by considerations of intragenerational competition and intergenerational substitution. Following Easterlin’s hypothesis that intragenerational competition rises with cohort size, we assume a negative effect of cohort size on labour market participation and a positive effect on early exit from the labour market. Taking into account that different cohorts are substitutes at least to a certain extent, we assume that the probability of an early exit will be reduced by a high intergenerational exchange ratio in favour of older workers. Thus, labour market participation is influenced by the populations’ age structure both when entering the labour force and during the career. Moreover, low shares of graduates in older cohorts are expected to reduce older workers’ chances of labour market participation. In addition to demographic structures, general economic conditions, such as per capita GDP and its development over time, act both to further and to hamper the employment of older workers. Additionally, labour market structures, such as unemployment rates, the extent of part-time work or the amount of service jobs influence individual participation and the transition to inactivity. To test these hypotheses, we use merged data from the first two waves of SHARE and macro-level indicators from Eurostat. We estimate a two-level random-intercept logit model which allows us to determine the share of variance in international late careers that can be attributed to country-specific factors and can quantify the relative impact of specific socio-demographic and socio-economic backgrounds. Our results imply that cross-national variance in labour market participation is mainly driven by the instance of long-term unemployment and the share of highly-educated older men. While our analyses reveal some evidence of intragenerational competition, we do not find evidence of intergenerational competition forcing early exit or decreasing participation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Winkelmann‐Gleed

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a UK older worker's perspective on the influences of multiple work and non‐work related commitments on their decision to extend working lives or to retire. As demographic change and economic challenges related to the financing of health care and pension plans affect retirement policies, this paper seeks to explore the individual worker's perspective. Their choice is framed by seeking to balance financial security in later life with the positive elements of work and the desire to match work with other commitments, something hardly taken into consideration by employers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper combines findings from existing research studies and UK based, semi‐structured interviews conducted as part of two ESF (European Social Fund) funded projects aiming at extending labour market participation for older workers. Key areas, such as retirement planning, training, flexibility and health are explored and the organisational identities/commitment literature provides a conceptual framework for understanding the push and pull factors associated with labour market exit among the over 50s.FindingsFundamental to the success of changes in government pension policies in terms of extending labour market participation of older workers is the element of individual agency rather than a view of victimisation. Viewing older workers as the ones who have to pay for increasing life expectancy by working longer could lead to people staying in work for the wrong reasons, negatively affecting productivity and job satisfaction. The discussion and conclusion stress the need for deeper understanding of work as one contributor to overall quality of life.Originality/valueThe political agenda to prolong working lives is principally driven by economic arguments. However, for any future policies to lead to an intrinsic motivation to want to remain in work, the voices of older workers express the desire to combine work with non‐work related commitments and identities. Achieving such balance could benefit the whole labour force.


2021 ◽  
Vol 56 (6) ◽  
pp. 341-347
Author(s):  
Ulrich Walwei ◽  
Jürgen Deller

AbstractFrom an international comparative point of view the paper deals with driving forces and potential obstacles for the labour market participation of older workers. It goes into depth by focusing on four case studies that seem to be typical for different contexts. Germany, Israel, Italy and Sweden were selected in order to examine the development and the situation of older workers in detail. Each country stands for a specific configuration, e.g. because it may represent a trend reversal, a continuously outstanding performance, or lasting problems. The cases also provde information on pension reforms and approaches to better manage ageing workforces, in some cases including a new balance of work and retirement. Being aware of the different country situations, it becomes obvious that one size of politics does not fit all. Independent of national policies, employability over the life cycle should gain more attention. Regarding future developments, continuous skill improvement and a healthy work environment are indispensable to keep older workers in work.


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