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Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2011

Factors influencing the decision to extend working life or retire

Nilsson, Kerstin; Rignell-Hydbom, Anna; Rylander, Lars

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.Methods The 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.Results Of 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.Conclusion Although 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.

Keywords

employee; motivation; older worker; organization; retirement; work ability; work environment

Published in

Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health
2011, Volume: 37, number: 6, pages: 473-480
Publisher: SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL WORK ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH

    Sustainable Development Goals

    SDG8 Decent work and economic growth

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Social Sciences
    Economics and Business

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3181

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/60098