Good health, financial gains, and flexible alternative working conditions are key to prolong work life

Carlstedt A, Brushammar G, Bjursell C, et al.  A scoping review of the incentives for a prolonged work life after pensionable age and the importance of "bridge employment"  Work: A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation. 2018;60(2):175-189.

Review question

•      What is known about incentives used to increase the likelihood for older employees to remain active in the labour market for a prolonged period of time? 

Background

•      With appropriate adaptations, working for a prolonged period of time can benefit older adults as well as the entire workforce.

•      This systematic review focuses on the needs and wants of older adults to remain in the workforce for a prolonged period of time.  

•      With reference to three interactive components, work opportunities, socio-cultural context and personal attributes, this review investigates the concept of bridge employment, working for pay after retirement, and how it can be best supported with incentives.

How the review was done

•      A detailed search of a number of electronic databases for studies published between May 2004 until May 2016 was conducted. Studies that focused on bridge employment, aging workforce and aging employees, were included in the review.

•      A total of 1,331 studies were identified in searches, and 58 were included in the review after assessments for eligibility.

•      The authors did not acknowledge any funding sources for this review.

What the researchers found

•      The systematic review revealed that the probability of working past the age of 65 increased with higher education and good health. Many older adults also continue to work as a means of social interaction and mental stimulation which increases life satisfaction.

•      Workplaces that encourage employees to continue to work past the age of 65 often offered financial gains and adaptations such as flexible working hours. These adaptations aimed to overcome barriers to employment such as a lack of support or continued physical and cognitive demands.

•      In summary, there is an increase of older adults continuing work past the age of 65 fostered by the growing number of economic incentives used to promote bridge employment.

Conclusion

•      The review reveals that good health, financial gains, and flexible alternative working conditions are key to extend the work life of older adults.

•      The findings of this review reveal several policy-related implications. Firstly, monetary gain greatly improves the likelihood for individuals to work beyond the age of 65. Secondly, ongoing education to maintain physical and cognitive function throughout their career serves older employees positively. Finally, negative implications caused by stigma related to older workers must be eliminated.