Abstract

Background: Reforms are changing pension systems in many European countries, in order to both restrict early retirement and force people to extend their working life. From occupational therapy and occupational science perspectives, studies focusing on aspects of working life that motivate the older worker is urgent. Aim: The aim was to describe incentives behind an extended working life among people over age 65. Method: Focus group methodology was used, with participants ages 66-71, from varying work fields: construction and technical companies and the municipal elderly care sector. Findings: Work was considered important and valuable to the degree of how challenging work was, the possibilities for inclusion in a team of colleagues and the chances for better personal finances. Amongst all, the participants expressed a feeling of a strengthened identity by being challenged and having the opportunity to manage working tasks. Conclusion: The finding showed the actual reasons behind an extended working life among older workers. However, a risk of rising social inequity may appear with increased working life if older people are forced to extend their working life due to a difficult financial situation as a pensioner. A variety of retirement options and initiatives in order to support older workers are justified.

Keywords

Active ageing; ageism; occupational science; occupational therapy; retirement age; working life

Published in

Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy
2019, Volume: 26, number: 3, pages: 171-183

SLU Authors

• Nilsson, Kerstin

  • Department of People and Society, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Lund University

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG8 Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
SDG10 Reduce inequality within and among countries


UKÄ Subject classification

Occupational Therapy


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2017.1409800

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/92865