scholarly journals Exploring the Concept of ‘Positive Ageing’ in the UK Workplace—A Literature Review

Geriatrics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane Keeble-Ramsay
Keyword(s):  
Older Workers ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Retirement Age ◽  
Ageing Workers ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Positive Ageing ◽  
The Uk

The participation rate of older people in the labour market is forecast to increase due to demographic changes afoot. For example, low fertility rates, higher life expectancy, and increases in the retirement age will affect labour availability. The working-age population trends indicate that the age group 55–64 years will expand. This trend is bolstered by policy debate about the sustainability of economic and social support systems for the wider population and necessary strategies to keep older workers in labour markets. Within the UK, as the statutory pension age is placed now at 67, changes affecting the national default retirement age (previously age 60 for women and 65 for men) already mean that many older workers will feature in workplaces past historical expectations. A lack of sensitivity about the adjustments older workers needed, due to age-related changes in health and functional capacities, attests the demoted valuing of ageing workers. Despite a rise in the importance of wisdom across cultures, the significance of experience that comes with ageing, however, has become less revered within the UK resulting in less than the institutional promotion of Positive Ageing might depict. This paper draws from a structured review of literature (SLR) which seeks to address the question of what is currently identified as ‘Positive Ageing’ to consider what contributions can be found in current literature that may represent these changes in the UK. The paper concludes that demographic change has stimulated significant re-thinking of workplace strategies for the maintenance of health and well-being of ageing workers at national or governmental policy levels. To ensure sustainability, workability, and productivity in work, however, the concept of Positive Ageing towards later life might be furthered despite that, at the organizational level, its enactment remains incomplete currently post retirement age.

scholarly journals Factors Related to Workplace Well-Being: Occupational Health and Safety of Older Workers in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 41-41
Author(s):  
Vincent Lee ◽  
Daniel W L Lai ◽  
Kin Cheung ◽  
Calvin Luk ◽  
Xue Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Ageing Workforce ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽  
Age Related

Abstract As Hong Kong is undergoing rapid population ageing over the past few decades, and this trend is expected to persist due to low fertility rates and extended life expectancy. This trend has significant implications for Hong Kong’s labor market and workforce. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the experiences, needs, and definitions of older workers in Hong Kong. It helps to draw attention to issues of occupational safety and health (OSH) risks and help identifying and promoting strategies and interventions for effectively supporting the ageing workforce in the workplace. The major objective of this research is to identify the OSH problems and challenges perceived by the older workers, employers and other stakeholders. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are applied. A qualitative study with focus groups and individual in-depth interviews have been conducted with a representative sample of 70 stakeholders, including employees, employers, representative of labour unions, policymakers, NGO representatives and researchers in the related disciplines. We obtained their views on age-related changes within the older workforce and how such changes would affect their work ability, the OSH issues facing the older workers in different industries, and the facilitators and barriers associated with remaining in or joining the labour force. Feasible intervention strategies for effectively supporting the ageing workforce in the workplace are also being identified.

Rising above It: Status Ambivalence in Older Adults

Gerontology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 576-588
Author(s):  
Deirdre A. Robertson ◽  
David Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Status ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Protective Mechanism ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Social ◽  
Implicit And Explicit

Background: Social status is the standing of a person or group in the social hierarchy, and is perceived to change across the life span from low social status in early life, to peak in midlife, and to a decline thereafter. As threats to subjective social status are known to be detrimental to individuals’ health, it is important to better understand how older adults perceive themselves and others in terms of age-related social status. Objective: We examined status ambivalence – the potential discrepancy between how older adults’ perceive social status for themselves compared to older adults in general. Method: Study 1 used qualitative data from 37 semi-structured interviews with older adults to assess perceptions of social status. Study 2 used quantitative survey data from 114 older adults who completed explicit and implicit measures of social status. Results: Study 1 (n = 37, meanage = 71.72, SDage = 5.69; 81.1% women) provided preliminary evidence for status ambivalence such that older adults reported unequivocal low social status for other older adults but a more ambivalent perception of their own social status. Study 2 (n = 114, meanage = 64.32, SDage = 8.98, 57.9% women) compared implicit and explicit measures of social status revealing that older adults consistently perceive older adults to have low social status but again show a more ambivalent perception of their own social status. Conclusion: We discuss status ambivalence as a potential protective mechanism in the context of negative societal perceptions of age-related social status that may be important for well-being in later life.

scholarly journals The Strength of Weaker Ties: An Underexplored Resource for Maintaining Emotional Well-Being in Later Life

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (7) ◽  
pp. 1433-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Huxhold ◽  
Katherine L Fiori ◽  
Noah J Webster ◽  
Toni C Antonucci
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Social Ties ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Change Score ◽  
Theoretical Orientations ◽  
Depressed Affect ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine dynamic links between changes in social ties and changes in emotional well-being. Method Trivariate dual-change score models were used to test whether a large number of close ties would be more strongly associated with low levels of depressed affect than a large number of weaker ties, and a large number of weaker ties would be more strongly associated with high levels of positive affect compared to a large number of close ties, across three waves of a large, regionally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 40 and older (N = 802). Results We found that a greater number of weaker ties was associated with having more close ties over time, and that the number of weaker ties was more strongly predictive of positive age-related changes in both aspects of well-being (i.e., more positive affect and less depressed affect) than the number of close ties. Discussion Contrary to popular theoretical orientations in gerontology, weaker ties may offer older adults a more effective avenue for promoting emotional well-being over time than close ties, and may have the additional benefit of compensating for losses in the number of close ties.

scholarly journals 347 Numeracy Performance and the Relationship to Age and Retirement among Community-Dwelling Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii17-iii65
Author(s):  
Maureen Mickus ◽  
Craig Carpenter ◽  
Scott Loveridge
Keyword(s):  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intellectual Stimulation ◽  
Telephone Surveys ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Financial Need ◽  
Alternative Choice

Abstract Background Remaining in the workforce in later life may be based on financial need, role fulfillment or opportunities for social participation. Employment can also provide intellectual stimulation, including the use of everyday math skills. Normal age-related decline in numeracy performance has been documented, but the role of retirement in the capacity to perform these functions is less understood. This research uses population-based telephone surveys to analyze whether the interaction of age and retirement influences the ability of community-dwelling adults to calculate simple math problems. Methods Data was drawn from three independently sampled surveys in 2006 (n=991), 2010 (n=1,023) and 2014 (n=997). In addition to standard demographic questions, the survey measured individuals’ ability to perform basic computations. Three questions were asked regarding temporal (now or 5 years later) preferences about jobs, a community bond, and an inheritance payout. Respondents were then asked to calculate the amount needed to select the other option instead. Deficient numeracy performance was defined as either no response or an irrational choice (e.g. a lesser amount of inheritance with the alternative choice.) Results Approximately 30% of persons age 65+ chose not to perform the follow-up calculations for these questions. Moreover, a 1% increase in age decreased the likelihood of rationally calculating the discount rate by between 0.15 and 0.25 percentage points, depending on the scenario. A sharp decline in numeracy was observed starting at age 66 with the addition of an age x retirement interaction, even when controlling for key variables such as education and income. Conclusion Retirement may reduce the opportunity for intellectual challenges afforded in the workplace and consequently, the ability to perform math calculations may decline. Alternatively, decisions to retire may be due to declining health, including cognitive impairments. The timing of retirement has major implications for public policy. Future research more deeply exploring the causal influence of retirement on health and well-being is warranted.

Socio-economic disadvantage and poverty

2020 ◽  
pp. 105-114
Author(s):  
Alisoun Milne
Keyword(s):  
Older People ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Economic Disadvantage ◽  
Fundamental Building Block ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Uk ◽  
State Pension ◽  
The Impact

Chapter 5 is the first of three chapters exploring the impact of age related risks affecting particular sub populations of older people. Socioeconomic disadvantage in later life tends to reflect a lifecourse status. It amplifies what is already present. In 2016/17 one million older people were living in poverty; an additional 1.2 million were living just above the poverty line. These numbers are rising. Those aged 85 years or over, frail older people, older women and single older people are particularly at risk. Poor older people are also more likely to live in poor housing and be exposed to fuel poverty. Being poor - and its concomitants - compromises mental health in a number of profound ways. It undermines an older person’s capacity to make choices, retain independence, save for a crisis, maintain social contacts and be digitally included. It is linked with worry, loss of control over life and shame. Poor older people are at heightened risk of isolation and loneliness, stress, anxiety and depression. The UK has a weak policy record, compared with other developed countries, of sustainably and coherently addressing poverty in later life. One of the cornerstones of doing so is a continued commitment to the basic state pension as a fundamental building block of a secure old age. Addressing poor housing is also pivotal.

Changes in Labor Accident Risk with Aging

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takahiro Nakamura ◽  
◽  
Motoya Takagi ◽  
Shinnosuke Usui ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Workers ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Worker Safety ◽  
Accident Risk ◽  
Older Worker ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Social

As we age, we change physically and mentally. As society ages, the birthrate decreases and the older worker’s social role increases in importance. The social role of the elderly is, however, threatened by the potential increase in age-related accidents. This research used 34,217 cases to explore and clarify the features of age-related accidents, classified by type, victim age –10 to 30s, 40 to 50s, and those aged 60 and over– and the number of absentee days due to accidents. Our results show that more time is needed for an older worker to return to the job after an accident than for a young worker. The importance of accident prevention for older workers is growing throughout industry. Ensuring such safety improves safety for workers of all ages. Issues involving age-related worker safety thus are related to the safety and well-being of workers of all generation.

scholarly journals Exclusion and Inequality in Late Working Life–On the Gendered Risks for Old-Age Exclusion in Sweden and Poland

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 65-65
Author(s):  
Andreas Motel-Klingebiel ◽  
Jolanta Perek-Białas ◽  
Indre Genelyte ◽  
Susanne Kelfve
Keyword(s):  
Old Age ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Labour Force Participation ◽  
Gender Inequalities ◽  
Institutional Conditions ◽  
Economic Exclusion ◽  
The Uk

Abstract The labour market activity of older workers and their ability and disposition to maintain it depend on institutional conditions, age norms, labour demand and shifting overall economic conditions. The paper discusses exclusion and inequality in later working life from a European comparative perspective and emphasises shifts in late work and retirement patterns as well as later-life outcomes in Sweden and Poland. An emphasis is on changing institutional conditions on the national and branch level. Gendered risks for economic exclusion and later life precarity are stressed. Analyses for the two countries are contrasted with Germany and the UK. The analyses are part of the research program ‘Exclusion and Inequality in Late Working Life: Evidence for Policy Innovation Towards Inclusive Extended Work and Sustainable Working Conditions in Sweden and Europe – EIWO’ (2019-24). Analyses use data from SHARE and EU-SILC and address older workers of age 60 and older in Sweden, Poland, German and the UK. They find increasingly heterogeneous preretirement and transition patterns, new gender gaps and increasing risks of economic exclusion in retirement. Situations differ between countries with the prolongation of late working life in Sweden having a mostly positive effect on gender inequalities with low education and specific migrant groups as an exception. Poland is specific case due to unequally low retirement age for woman (60) and for men (65) with consequently large structural gender differences and increases in the process of increasing labour force participation of older workers and increasingly gendered risks for old-age economic exclusion.

scholarly journals Religiosity and Perceived Social Support Enhance Older Adults’ Resilience after the 2016 Flood

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 929-929
Author(s):  
Katie Cherry ◽  
Matthew Calamia ◽  
Emily Elliott ◽  
Angelina Cantelli
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Severe Weather ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Age Related

Abstract In 2016, catastrophic flooding destroyed homes and property across south Louisiana. This study is part of a larger program of research that addresses the role of prior hurricane and flood experiences on current health and well-being in later life. Participants were predominately middle-aged and older adults who varied in current and prior severe weather experiences (M age=49.6 years, age range 18-88 years). All were tested during the immediate aftermath of the 2016 flood (Wave 1; N=223) and most participated in a follow-up assessment 9 (+/- 3) months later (Wave 2; N=202). Cherry et al. (2021) reported that greater flood stressors at Wave 1, such as displacement, flood-related losses, and damage to homes and property, were associated with more symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that age, religiosity, and perceived social support would be positively associated with post-flood resilience at the Wave 2 follow-up. Results indicated that age was positively associated with religiosity and resilience, and negatively correlated with symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, faith community involvement, non-organizational religiosity, and religious beliefs and practices were all significantly correlated with post-flood resilience. Perceived social support was positively associated with resilience, and inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms. These data suggest that religiosity and perceived social support are valuable resources that foster post-disaster resilience among middle aged and older adults. Implications of these data for current views on age-related strengths and vulnerabilities after severe weather events are discussed.

scholarly journals Injustice Squared? An Intersectional Lens to Research on Productive Engagement in Later Life

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 24-24
Author(s):  
Christina Matz ◽  
Cal Halvorsen ◽  
Jacquelyn James
Keyword(s):  
Asian American ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Race And Ethnicity ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Unpaid Work ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Paid And Unpaid Work

Abstract Social inequalities over the life course shape later life opportunities and outcomes in important ways. However, research on paid and unpaid work in later life has not always captured (and has sometimes mischaracterized) the variety and complexity of lived experiences in later life—in particular for low-income workers, workers of color, women, and others marginalized due to their social position. Further, statistics often obscure the most important information: how the most marginalized older workers are faring. Intersectionality, a term coined by legal scholar, Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw, describes the overlapping and intersecting social identities that often influence how we move around in society. Some identities garner privilege and power and others oppression and marginalization; we must look at their intersection to better understand complexity and inform solutions. This symposium will apply an intersectional lens to research on paid and unpaid work in later life. The first paper is a scoping review that assesses the extent to which race and ethnicity are investigated in studies of the longitudinal association between workplace demands and cognitive health. The second paper explores how older Black and Hispanic adults’ work engagement is impacted by COVID-19. The third paper considers gender differences in volunteer engagement among Asian-American older adults. The final paper examines the Senior Community Service Employment Program’s role in participant financial, physical, and mental well-being. A discussant will reflect on these studies and the need for continued research that considers intersectionality in opportunities and experiences for paid and unpaid work in later life.

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