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The Differentiated Role of Health for Employment Participation Among Older Workers – A Discussion Based on the “lidA Conceptual Framework on Work, Age and Employment”

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Abstract

Many European states have raised the statutory pension age. In consequence, more and more people will have to extend their working lives. But will they be able to do so? A common conception is that good health among the older working population is crucial for the extension of working lives. The question is whether this focus is feasible. Already, many older workers report poor health while a considerable proportion of retirees of the same age are healthy. To visualise the complexity of employment participation among the older working-age population, the lidA conceptual framework on work, age and employment is presented. It indicates four core qualities of retirement: complexity, processual character, individuality and structural frame. It also indicates that the impact of health on employment participation is mediated by work ability and the motivation to continue working and moderated by options (legislation and finances). This differentiated view has considerable implications for interventions. Conclusions are drawn for organisational and national policies as well as research.

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Hasselhorn, H.M., Ebener, M. (2018). The Differentiated Role of Health for Employment Participation Among Older Workers – A Discussion Based on the “lidA Conceptual Framework on Work, Age and Employment”. In: Hohnerlein, E., Hennion, S., Kaufmann, O. (eds) Erwerbsverlauf und sozialer Schutz in Europa. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-56033-4_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-56033-4_19

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