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Lössbroek J, Hulsegge G. More 50+ Workers Means More 50+ Policy-Until it Doesn't. The Non-Linear Relation Between Proportion of Older Workers and Implementation of Policies for Older Workers. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:490-496. [PMID: 38019758 PMCID: PMC10981204 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231214900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Personnel policies specifically for older workers can benefit both the older workers and their organization. It is often assumed that a higher percentage of older workers in an organization is associated with more policies for older workers. We hypothesize that policies accommodating older workers, such as extra leave or a reduced workload, become unfeasible if the proportion of older workers is high. We pooled data from five datasets to study eleven older-worker policies in 7330 Dutch establishments. The results show that the number of implemented personnel policies for older workers is highest in establishments where 30-50% of the workers are 50 years and older. The number of implemented policies is lower in establishments with more older than younger workers. This pattern is found for most phasing out policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Lössbroek
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute-KNAW, University of Groningen, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Gerben Hulsegge
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research, TNO, Leiden, The Netherlands
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von Bonsdorff MB, Munukka M, van Schoor NM, von Bonsdorff ME, Kortelainen L, Deeg DJH, de Breij S. Changes in physical performance according to job demands across three cohorts of older workers in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Eur J Ageing 2023; 20:21. [PMID: 37286634 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-023-00768-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study set out to evaluate the association between job demands at baseline and physical performance over a six-year period across three cohorts of older Dutch workers examined 10 years apart. Data were drawn from three cohorts (1992-1999, 2002-2009 and 2012-2019) of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Individuals aged 55-65 years from each cohort who worked for pay were included (n = 274, n = 416, n = 618, respectively). Physical performance was measured using gait speed and chair stand performance. A population-based job exposure matrix was used to indicate levels of exposure probability of physical (use of force and repetitive movements) and psychosocial (cognitive demands and time pressure) job demands. We found that psychosocial job demands increased and physical demands decreased across the three cohorts. No between cohort differences were found for how job demands affected changes in physical performance over follow-up. For men, faster decline in gait speed was observed when comparing higher and lower use of force at baseline (β -0.012, 95% CI -0.021, -0.004). Greater use of force and repetitive movements were associated with faster decline in chair stand performance (β -0.012, 95% CI -0.020, -0.004 and β -0.009, 95% CI -0.017, -0.001, respectively). In women, no association of job demands on change in physical performance was observed. The study concluded that higher physical job demands were associated with stronger decline in physical performance across six years for men in all cohorts, while no associations were found among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela B von Bonsdorff
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences and Gerontology Research Center, University of Jyväskylä, P.O. Box 35, 40014, Jyvaskyla, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Matti Munukka
- Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Natasja M van Schoor
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lauri Kortelainen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Dorly J H Deeg
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sascha de Breij
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Aging and Later Life, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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van Solinge H, Vanajan A, Henkens K. Does Phased Retirement Increase Vitality in Older Workers? Findings from a 3‑Year Follow‑Up Panel Study. J Aging Soc Policy 2023; 35:221-240. [PMID: 35083950 DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2022.2029270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the effects of phased retirement on vitality and how this effect differs for workers dealing with work, family and health strain and low levels of baseline vitality. We used two waves of the NIDI Pension Panel Survey, conducted in 2015 and 2018, in the Netherlands. Data from 1,247 older workers, of whom 10% opted for phased retirement, were analyzed. Vitality is assessed in three ways: a composite measure of vitality, and its subcomponents energy and fatigue. Conditional change regression models demonstrated that transitioning into phased retirement improved vitality and energy levels and reduced fatigue. Older workers with low energy levels at baseline showed greater improvements in energy after using phased retirement: this result was not evident for those with low vitality and high fatigue at baseline. Phased retirement improved vitality for workers with high work strain. Vitality for workers with family or health strain was not improved. Interestingly, the positive effects of phased retirement were equally visible among workers with and without adverse health conditions and caregiving responsibilities. Our study provides evidence on the benefits of phased retirement as a method to sustainably ensure healthy aging of not only vulnerable but all older workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna van Solinge
- Work and Retirement Research Group, Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI-KNAW), The Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anushiya Vanajan
- Work and Retirement Research Group, Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI-KNAW), The Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kène Henkens
- Work and Retirement Research Group, Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI-KNAW), The Hague, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Sciences, Community & Occupational Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mok I, Mackenzie L, Thomson K. The effects of career development practices on expected retirement age of injured older workers. Work 2023; 74:183-191. [PMID: 36189521 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work injury can put older workers at higher risk of disability and early retirement. Rapid population ageing has raised questions about the ability of older workers to continue working, especially for those who have experienced work injury. Career development practices have been highlighted as a form of rehabilitation support to enable longer working lives of injured older workers. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to explore whether career development practices contribute to higher expected retirement age for injured older workers (aged 45 and above). METHOD A total of 274 older Australian workers employed at large organisations completed a survey about their health, retirement intentions, work injury, and engagement with career development practices. Hierarchical multiple regression and two-way analysis of variances were used to analyse the data. RESULTS Work injury contributed to significantly lower expected retirement age for older workers. Work training and development predicted a significant amount of variance in expected retirement age of injured older workers, and enabled them to work to later retirement ages. There was no statistically significant difference in injured older workers' expected retirement age for those who participated in career discussion with their managers and those who did not participate. CONCLUSION Lack of career development support can affect injured older workers' ability to participate in employment. The findings highlight the importance for rehabilitation and human resource professionals to have a proactive and educative role in providing career development support to injured older workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Mok
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ageing and Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lynette Mackenzie
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ageing and Health Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kate Thomson
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Employees' Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Responses to Increasing Statutory Retirement Ages. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6645271. [PMID: 34660795 PMCID: PMC8514891 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6645271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing statutory retirement ages around the world are forcing employees to prolong their working lives. We study the different ways in which mid- and late-career workers respond to such changes. We distinguish between negative emotions about working longer, cognitive engagement with prolonged employment, and proactive behavior to facilitate longer working lives. We analyze data from 1,351 employees aged 40-66 from the Netherlands. We estimate a structural equation model to identify in which ways experiences of age discrimination, accessibility of accommodative HR facilities, and social norms in the workers' social networks are related to the three different types of responses. Results show that when employees do not experience age discrimination, when their employer offers easily accessible accommodative HR facilities, and the social norms support prolonged employment, employees have fewer negative emotional reactions and are more likely to behaviorally respond to facilitate longer working lives. When these contexts are misaligned, the reverse is generally found. We also find socioeconomic differences in the ways employees respond to the prospect of prolonged employment. This study shows the importance of supportive contexts at different levels—societally, in organizations, and in individuals' own lives—for policy changes such as increasing statutory retirement ages to be effective. Different responses between different socioeconomic groups may lead to growing long-term inequality.
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Turek K, Henkens K. Participation in training at older ages: A European perspective on path dependency in life course trajectories. ADVANCES IN LIFE COURSE RESEARCH 2021; 48:100396. [PMID: 36695136 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcr.2020.100396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Investments in lifelong learning may create unsatisfactory results, and this could potentially contribute to the reproduction of inequalities. We argue that the process is related to the accumulation of opportunities and barriers for participation in training, which can lock individuals in disadvantageous path-dependent trajectories. We take a longitudinal approach to analyse whether participation in training in older age is path-dependent, and whether this path dependency is related to institutional contexts. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we trace individual training trajectories in the population aged 50+ in twelve European countries between 2010 and 2015 (27 370 respondents). Hierarchical Bayesian logit models serve to assess the probability of training during the sixth wave, with a lagged dependent variable as a predictor. Results suggest that training participation is path-dependent and participation in training is limited for people who have not trained previously. It is also related to macrostructural context: path dependency is lower in countries with stronger knowledge economies, stronger emphasis on education, and a proactive ageing climate. Recognising path dependency can help to improve access to training and design policies that address problems of cohesion, active ageing and adult learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad Turek
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI-KNAW), Lange Houtstraat 19, NL-2511 CV The Hague, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, PO Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Amsterdam, Spui 21, 1012 WX Amsterdam The Netherlands.
| | - Kène Henkens
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI-KNAW), Lange Houtstraat 19, NL-2511 CV The Hague, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, PO Box 72, 9700 AB Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Amsterdam, Spui 21, 1012 WX Amsterdam The Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG-RUG), PO box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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van Dalen HP, Henkens K. The COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons for Financially Fragile and Aging Societies. WORK, AGING AND RETIREMENT 2020; 6:waaa011. [PMID: 38626235 PMCID: PMC7454871 DOI: 10.1093/workar/waaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 crisis teaches organizations and households harsh lessons about the necessity of having buffers, to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 virus. The financial fragility of households and the rising proportion of people becoming obese calls for intensified efforts, both by individuals and employers to create financial buffers and keep on investing in health. The financial fragility of organizations is a wake-up call that a short-term focus on efficiency can be counterproductive and may overturn the efforts to start working longer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik P van Dalen
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI-KNAW), AR The Hague, The Netherlands
- Tilburg School of Economics and Management (TISEM), Tilburg University, LE Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Kène Henkens
- Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute (NIDI-KNAW), AR The Hague, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen, AB Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal, DK Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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