As part of a 3-year programme of research into financial inclusion and older BME people, Runnymede brought together 50 older people from a range of ethnic backgrounds to share their knowledge and concerns on retirement. This article provides an overview of some of the issues, which include: poverty; the issue of not being eligible for a full state pension when returning to their country of birth on retirement; and the concern felt for younger generations facing high rates of unemployment.
As part of a 3-year programme of research into financial inclusion and older BME people, Runnymede brought together 50 older people from a range of ethnic backgrounds to share their knowledge and concerns on retirement. This article provides an overview of some of the issues, which include: poverty; the issue of not being eligible for a full state pension when returning to their country of birth on retirement; and the concern felt for younger generations facing high rates of unemployment.
Subject terms:
older people, pensions, poverty, retirement, black and minority ethnic people;
CAUDROIT Johan, STEPHAN Yannick, LESCANFF Christine
Journal article citation:
British Journal of Health Psychology, 16(2), May 2011, pp.404-417.
Publisher:
Wiley
... self-efficacy is a crucial construct in this second phase. There is currently little information on the predictive value of HAPA among older adults in their retirement years. This 6-month prospective study involved retired older individuals (n=120, age 53-83, mean 65.38 years) who were members of a university-based organisation in France. They were surveyed for risk perception, action self-efficacy, outcome
The health action process approach (HAPA) has proved to be a valid framework for the prediction of physical activity among both middle-aged and older adults in rehabilitation and work settings. The HAPA distinguishes between a pre-intentional motivational phase and a subsequent post-intentional volition phase in which the intention is translated into behaviour. It suggests that coping self-efficacy is a crucial construct in this second phase. There is currently little information on the predictive value of HAPA among older adults in their retirement years. This 6-month prospective study involved retired older individuals (n=120, age 53-83, mean 65.38 years) who were members of a university-based organisation in France. They were surveyed for risk perception, action self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and physical intention at baseline and planning, coping self-efficacy, and physical activity 6 months later. Path analyses revealed that, in the motivational phase, action self-efficacy and risk perception, but not outcome expectancies, were positively related to activity intention. In the volitional phase, intention and coping self-efficacy, but not planning, were positive predictors of physical activity behaviour. The authors conclude that HAPA is a useful framework for the understanding of the social cognitive processes underlying this physical activity behaviour in older retired adults.
Retirement used to be characterised as a definite and abrupt exit from the workforce. However, recent studies of the Dutch population show that a substantial number of early retirees re-enter the workforce after early retirement. Others fail to regain employment, even though they express a wish to return to paid work. An often-named reason for their failures is bias in the selection process. is of low priority to both the managers and students, and depends to a large extent on organisational factors, such as personnel shortages, and the age of the retiree. The findings suggest that despite equal opportunities policies, age discrimination is still present in the Dutch labour market and that managers generally hinder the re-employment of workers approaching the retirement age.
Retirement used to be characterised as a definite and abrupt exit from the workforce. However, recent studies of the Dutch population show that a substantial number of early retirees re-enter the workforce after early retirement. Others fail to regain employment, even though they express a wish to return to paid work. An often-named reason for their failures is bias in the selection process. This study aimed to identify the factors that influence managers' decisions concerning the re-employment of early retirees. A vignette study was administered to 20 Dutch managers and 17 business students. Profiles of hypothetical early retirees were presented to the respondents who were then asked to make decisions whether or not to employ the individual. The results show that hiring early retirees is of low priority to both the managers and students, and depends to a large extent on organisational factors, such as personnel shortages, and the age of the retiree. The findings suggest that despite equal opportunities policies, age discrimination is still present in the Dutch labour market and that managers generally hinder the re-employment of workers approaching the retirement age.
Subject terms:
managers, recruitment, retirement, age discrimination, attitudes;
British Journal of Psychiatry, 198(2), February 2011, pp.123-128.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
The aim of this study was to quantify the cost of lost savings and wealth to Australians aged 45 to 64 who retire from the labour force early because of depression or other mental illness. The study used analysis of data from Health&WealthMOD (a microsimulation model of health, employment, income and wealth designed to measure the economic impact of ill health, built on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers), and STINMOD (an income and savings microsimulation model). The results showed that people who are not part of the labour force because of depression or other mental illness have significantly less wealth compared with people of the same age, gender and education who are in the labour force with no chronic health condition, and it is more likely that the wealth that they do have is in cash assets rather than higher growth assets such as superannuation, home equity and other financial investments. The authors conclude that lower accumulated wealth is likely to result in lower living standards for these individuals in the future, to compound the impact of their condition, and to result in a large financial burden on the state.
The aim of this study was to quantify the cost of lost savings and wealth to Australians aged 45 to 64 who retire from the labour force early because of depression or other mental illness. The study used analysis of data from Health&WealthMOD (a microsimulation model of health, employment, income and wealth designed to measure the economic impact of ill health, built on data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers), and STINMOD (an income and savings microsimulation model). The results showed that people who are not part of the labour force because of depression or other mental illness have significantly less wealth compared with people of the same age, gender and education who are in the labour force with no chronic health condition, and it is more likely that the wealth that they do have is in cash assets rather than higher growth assets such as superannuation, home equity and other financial investments. The authors conclude that lower accumulated wealth is likely to result in lower living standards for these individuals in the future, to compound the impact of their condition, and to result in a large financial burden on the state.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, personal finance, retirement, savings, depression;
The majority of local areas in the UK are faced with an ageing population. Popular retirement destinations in coastal and more rural areas are particularly affected. The paper aims to find out how local areas strategically tackle these demographic shifts. Data is based on multiple case study design, covering the three heterogeneous cases North Tyneside, Poole and Wealden. Empirical data has been
The majority of local areas in the UK are faced with an ageing population. Popular retirement destinations in coastal and more rural areas are particularly affected. The paper aims to find out how local areas strategically tackle these demographic shifts. Data is based on multiple case study design, covering the three heterogeneous cases North Tyneside, Poole and Wealden. Empirical data has been assembled from qualitative interviews with local experts and documents such as local strategies or minutes of meetings. The results are threefold. Firstly, local governance arrangements are analysed. This covers the identification of involved actors, their action orientations and interactions. As approaches in planning for an ageing population differ across organisations, a typology of individual actors is developed. Moreover, it is observed that and analysed how traditional hierarchical steering by public bodies is complemented by more network-like forms of governance, for example multi-organisational older people’s partnerships. Secondly, local learning processes in planning for an ageing population are reconstructed. Four phases are differentiated: setting the agenda for the topic of ageing and older people followed by building up knowledge on the subject and collective learning in a narrower sense and, finally, strategy-making. Interrelations between governance arrangements and collective learning are analysed, particularly with respect to different forms of learning in different types of older people’s partnerships. Finally, central challenges and perspectives arising from the analysis of governance arrangements and learning processes are discussed. On the one hand, these pertain to the cross-cutting nature of ageing, on the other hand they are due to the ambivalent influence from national government on local areas. The thesis concludes with recommendations for practitioners locally and at the national level.
Subject terms:
local government, older people, retirement, social policy, ageing, central government;
Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 36(3), September 2011, pp.167-174.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
... services, and participants in mainstream community organisations for older people. Six focus groups to discuss retirement were held comprising 5 distinct participant groups: 7 staff from disability accommodation; 7 staff from employment services; 4 members of mainstream activity programmes for older people; 5 family members; and 2 groups of 6 supported employees. The findings showed that the participants perceived retirement as a risk to the well-being and participation of employees. They were pessimistic about the availability of necessary support in retirement. The need for additional resources and skills was identified. However, the utility of inclusion strategies was not recognised, and continued segregation through specialist programmes or adaptation of existing employment programmes was the most commonly suggested retirement option by staff and family members. The article concludes that the perceptions of the participants does not reflect the current policy imperatives of social participation.
This paper reports the first stage of a study that aims to understand how older people with intellectual disabilities who retire from supported employment can be supported to participate in mainstream community organisations. In particular, it explores the perceptions and expectations about activities and participation held by older supported employees, family members, staff in disability services, and participants in mainstream community organisations for older people. Six focus groups to discuss retirement were held comprising 5 distinct participant groups: 7 staff from disability accommodation; 7 staff from employment services; 4 members of mainstream activity programmes for older people; 5 family members; and 2 groups of 6 supported employees. The findings showed that the participants perceived retirement as a risk to the well-being and participation of employees. They were pessimistic about the availability of necessary support in retirement. The need for additional resources and skills was identified. However, the utility of inclusion strategies was not recognised, and continued segregation through specialist programmes or adaptation of existing employment programmes was the most commonly suggested retirement option by staff and family members. The article concludes that the perceptions of the participants does not reflect the current policy imperatives of social participation.
Subject terms:
learning disabilities, retirement, social inclusion, service transitions, ageing, communities;
Health and Social Care in the Community, 19(5), September 2011, pp.485-494.
Publisher:
Wiley
Those with chronic illness leave the workforce earlier than their peers, have lower incomes and often need additional support to manage their health. This study examined whether chronic illness was already present prior to retirement, or had subsequently developed. It also investigated the need for assistance with everyday household tasks and personal care. Postal surveys were sent to a random sample of 10,000 members of National Seniors Australia between August and September 2009. Responses were received from 4,574 respondents. Eighty two per cent reported having at least one chronic illness at the time of the survey. Findings revealed that ill health led to earlier retirement, and those who were sickest required more assistance with their household tasks and personal care. Overall, each additional chronic illness present at age 50 reduced working life by an average of one year, and each present at age 60 by 0.7 years. Diabetes, arthritis and depression were significantly related to earlier retirement. The authors concluded that, the findings highlight the need to review the adequacy of current social and health policy in this group.
Those with chronic illness leave the workforce earlier than their peers, have lower incomes and often need additional support to manage their health. This study examined whether chronic illness was already present prior to retirement, or had subsequently developed. It also investigated the need for assistance with everyday household tasks and personal care. Postal surveys were sent to a random sample of 10,000 members of National Seniors Australia between August and September 2009. Responses were received from 4,574 respondents. Eighty two per cent reported having at least one chronic illness at the time of the survey. Findings revealed that ill health led to earlier retirement, and those who were sickest required more assistance with their household tasks and personal care. Overall, each additional chronic illness present at age 50 reduced working life by an average of one year, and each present at age 60 by 0.7 years. Diabetes, arthritis and depression were significantly related to earlier retirement. The authors concluded that, the findings highlight the need to review the adequacy of current social and health policy in this group.
Subject terms:
labour market, older people, participation, physical illness, retirement, employment, health care;
Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 54(1), January 2011, pp.116-130.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Place of publication:
Philadelphia, USA
Despite an increasing number of people over 60, participation in senior centers is decreasing. Ageing services may need revision to meet the needs of baby boomers as they age. This study aimed to examine boomers’ visions of their retirement and to identify what ageing services they intend to use. Surveys were mailed to 800 residents of an upper Midwestern county, aged 50-59 years, randomly selected from the voter registration list. The survey addressed: perceptions of aging services; familiarity with services provided; and visions of work and retirement, family, civic engagement, health, caregiving, and leisure. A total of 225 completed surveys were returned. The findings showed that 53% of the respondents intended to work and increase civic engagement. They expected more time for hobbies
Despite an increasing number of people over 60, participation in senior centers is decreasing. Ageing services may need revision to meet the needs of baby boomers as they age. This study aimed to examine boomers’ visions of their retirement and to identify what ageing services they intend to use. Surveys were mailed to 800 residents of an upper Midwestern county, aged 50-59 years, randomly selected from the voter registration list. The survey addressed: perceptions of aging services; familiarity with services provided; and visions of work and retirement, family, civic engagement, health, caregiving, and leisure. A total of 225 completed surveys were returned. The findings showed that 53% of the respondents intended to work and increase civic engagement. They expected more time for hobbies and friends, and to travel more. Family will continue to be their highest priority. The implications of the findings for providing senior services that are attractive to boomers are discussed.
Subject terms:
older people, retirement, adult social care, adults, ageing, attitudes, day centres;
Journal of Comparative Social Welfare, 27(1), February 2011, pp.35-50.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
... turned 65 in 2011. Opportunities for older people remaining in or returning to the workforce are anticipated, and traditional retirement will be altered given that 80% of baby boomers, as cited in the National Institute on Aging's Health and Retirement Study, are expected to work past traditional retirement age. Population ageing has vast political, social and economic implications for the United
The United States is experiencing dramatic increases in the ageing population where one out of five of the approximate 309 million people will be aged 65 and over within the next year. This is the result of increases in life expectancy, decreases in fertility replacement rates and improvements in health. The eldest members of the boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964) will have turned 65 in 2011. Opportunities for older people remaining in or returning to the workforce are anticipated, and traditional retirement will be altered given that 80% of baby boomers, as cited in the National Institute on Aging's Health and Retirement Study, are expected to work past traditional retirement age. Population ageing has vast political, social and economic implications for the United States and for the global community. Demographic trends, implications for the US workforce and recommendations from relevant institutes and organisations are provided to elucidate the opportunities for action that are inherent in many of the challenges faced by the ageing society of the United States.
Subject terms:
labour market, older people, retirement, ageing, demographics, economics;
Journal of Social Policy, 40(3), July 2011, pp.493-512.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Place of publication:
Cambridge
In the context of population ageing and low retirement incomes, the UK government has increasingly sought to encourage people to work longer. However, the OECD has argued that UK means-tested benefits, that are lost as a result of working, mean that delaying retirement is a less attractive option for the poorest. In addition, UK employees may have limited opportunity to delay retirement as line management decide whether individuals are allowed to work beyond the age of 65. In contrast, in the US, benefits are meagre and difficult to access and age discrimination legislation protects individuals from forced retirement. This paper examines whether adopting a US policy approach in the UK would increase employment of the poorest over 65s and enhance their financial position. The study uses data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and the US Health and Retirement Study to examine how wealth influences employment and how this is mediated by differences in health and education. It suggests that extending UK age discrimination legislation and restricting benefits would increase overall employment past 65, although not necessarily to US levels. The poorest over 65s are more likely to work
In the context of population ageing and low retirement incomes, the UK government has increasingly sought to encourage people to work longer. However, the OECD has argued that UK means-tested benefits, that are lost as a result of working, mean that delaying retirement is a less attractive option for the poorest. In addition, UK employees may have limited opportunity to delay retirement as line management decide whether individuals are allowed to work beyond the age of 65. In contrast, in the US, benefits are meagre and difficult to access and age discrimination legislation protects individuals from forced retirement. This paper examines whether adopting a US policy approach in the UK would increase employment of the poorest over 65s and enhance their financial position. The study uses data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and the US Health and Retirement Study to examine how wealth influences employment and how this is mediated by differences in health and education. It suggests that extending UK age discrimination legislation and restricting benefits would increase overall employment past 65, although not necessarily to US levels. The poorest over 65s are more likely to work in the USA than in England, but employment amongst the poorest is still low, especially compared with wealthier groups. A US policy approach would most likely damage the financial position of the poorest in the UK, with increased employment not sufficiently compensating for lost benefits.
Subject terms:
older people, poverty, retirement, age discrimination, benefits, employment, government policy;