Retirement in flux: changing perceptions of retirement and later life

Author:
INTERNATIONAL LONGEVITY CENTRE UK
Publisher:
International Longevity Centre UK
Publication year:
2012
Pagination:
22p
Place of publication:
London

Retirement and what it means to be a citizen in an ageing society is changing. Traditionally, our understanding of retirement implies that people make contributions in their working life in return for support in later life. This think-piece argues that society needs to abandon the notion that people make contributions in their working life in return for support in retirement. Such an approach implies that retirement marks the point where older people’s contributions are no longer valuable. An ageing society, with many people living longer and healthier lives, means that contributions should continue into later life. This publication discusses the rights and responsibilities of later life, arguing that the concept of ‘gradual retirement’ may be better suited to an ageing society. Older citizens have a responsibility to remain in the labour market, where possible, to enable skills retention and minimise the fiscal burdens on taxpayers. Alongside this, they should have a right to support to enable longer working lives. Older people should have a right to remain in their own home, but it is fair that they should draw upon property wealth to help fund care costs where possible. In addition, there should be opportunities for older people to volunteer in ways that are flexible, enjoyable, and oriented towards utilising their skills.

Subject terms:
older people, retirement, rights, volunteers, ageing, citizenship, employment;
Location(s):
United Kingdom
Link:
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