Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/7684
Title: 'Otherwise it would be nothing but cruises': Exploring the subjective benefits of working beyond 65
Authors: Reynolds, FA
Farrow, A
Blank, A
Keywords: Employment;Older adults;Health;Well-being;Personal development;Qualitative
Issue Date: 2012
Publisher: University of Linkoping Electronic Press
Citation: International Journal of Ageing and Later Life, 7(1), 79 - 106, 2012
Abstract: The age at which statutory and private pensions are being paid is increasing in many countries so more people will need to work into their late 60s and beyond. Currently, relatively little is known about the meanings of work for people who actively choose to work into their later life. This qualitative study examined the subjective benefits of continuing in a paid job or self-employment beyond the age of 65 in the UK. Thirty one participants were interviewed, aged 65-91 years (median age 71), with 11 females and 20 males. Fourteen were working full-time; seventeen part-time. Interview transcripts were subject to thematic analysis. Although financial reward was acknowledged (more so by the female participants and the males who had young second families), there was more elaboration of the role of work in maintaining health, and enabling continuing personal development. Work was framed as increasing personal control over later life, lifestyle choices and active participation in wider society, an antithesis to ‘cruising’.
URI: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/7684
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ijal.1652-8670.1271
ISSN: 1652-8670
Appears in Collections:Occupational Therapy
Community Health and Public Health
Dept of Health Sciences Research Papers

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
Fulltext.pdf136.33 kBAdobe PDFView/Open


Items in BURA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.