Factors affecting work ability and influencing early retirement decisions of older employees: an attempt to integrate the existing approaches

Abstract

The article has several objectives. First, it aims to discuss, based on the international literature analysis, theoretical models and factors influencing early retirement decisions, and limiting work ability and employability of older people. Second, the concept of (and the factors related to) work ability as well as the role of age management in improving employability and sustaining work activity of older adults are analyzed against the backdrop of the Polish context. Cultural (ageism) and organizational (e.g., a lack of appropriate age management in companies) factors influencing work activity in the oldest age groups are taken into account. Third, the authors present some solutions and recommendations coming from the international Participation To Healthy Workplaces And inclusive Strategies in the Work Sector (PATHWAYS) project. Finally, theoretical models, concepts and solutions are integrated into a model elucidating the conditions (cultural, social, organizational, individual) influencing work ability of older adults. The model aims to take into account theories and factors identified in the literature review and grouped into several categories. The analysis highlights the role of appropriate age management in companies in the process of sustaining work ability of older employees. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(5):509-26.

Keywords: ageism; early exit from work; employability; pull factors; push factors; work ability.

Figure 1.

Flow diagram depicting the procedure of the selection of papers included in the literature review of the factors influencing early retirement decisions (based on the literature analysis conducted in 2019, focused on papers published in English in 1997–2017, not concentrated on any specific country or region)

Figure 2.

Integrated factors influencing work ability of older employees (based on the literature analysis conducted in 2019, focused on papers published in English in 1997–2017, not concentrated on any specific country or region)