Zitatform

Patel, Pankaj C. (2026): For older and poorer: the implications of self-employment among individuals over 50. In: Applied Economics, Jg. 58, H. 6, S. 1113-1131. DOI:10.1080/00036846.2025.2464818

Abstract

"Drawing on human capital theory and analysing data from the American Community Survey and Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we examine how economic policies influence late-career entrepreneurship. We find that older, economically vulnerable individuals are increasingly pushed into self-employment, often as a necessity rather than an opportunity. The association persists even when controlling for economic shocks and individual fixed effects. Notably, state-level policies such as minimum wage increases and Medicaid expansion show limited efficacy in altering these patterns or improving outcomes for this demographic. Our findings underscore the inadequacy of current broad-based economic policies in addressing the unique challenges faced by older workers in an evolving labour market." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Ahammer, Alexander, Martin Halla, Pia Heckl & Rudolf Winter-Ebmer (2025): Reintegrated Older Long-Term Unemployed Workers: The Impact of Temporary Job Guarantees. (Working paper / Department of Economics, Johannes Kepler Universität of Linz 2025-12), Linz, 43 S., App.

Abstract

"Long-term unemployment among older workers is particularly difficult to overcome. We study the impacts of a large-scale job guarantee program that offered up to two years of fully subsidized employment to long-term unemployed individuals aged 50 and above. Using a sharp age-based discontinuity in eligibility, we find that participation increased regular, unsubsidized employment by 43 percentage points two years after the program ended. The gains are driven by transitions into new firms and industries, rather than continued subsidized employment, and we find no evidence of displacement effects for non-participants or spillovers to family members. The program had no measurable short-run health effects." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Ahammer, Alexander, Martin Halla, Pia Heckl & Rudolf Winter-Ebmer (2025): Reintegrating Older Long-Term Unemployed Workers: The Impact of Temporary Job Guarantees. (CEPR discussion paper / Centre for Economic Policy Research 20939), London, 58 S.

Abstract

"Long-term unemployment among older workers is particularly difficult to overcome. We study the impacts of a large-scale job guarantee program that offered up to two years of fully subsidized employment to long-term unemployed individuals aged 50 and above. Using a sharp age-based discontinuity in eligibility, we find that participation increased regular, unsubsidized employment by 43 percentage points two years after the program ended. The gains are driven by transitions into new firms and industries, rather than continued subsidized employment, and we find no evidence of displacement effects for non-participants or spillovers to family members. The program had no measurable short-run health effects." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Auer, Eva & Vinka Mlakić (2025): AMS Forschungsnetzwerk - Erste Effekte der Anhebung des Regelpensionsalters von Frauen. (AMS-Spezialthema zum Arbeitsmarkt / Arbeitsmarktservice Österreich), Wien, 5 S.

Abstract

"Im Dezember 1990 bezeichnete der Verfassungsgerichtshof das unterschiedliche Regelpensionsalter von Frauen und Männern als gleichheitswidrig und hob die entsprechenden Regelungen auf.1 Die damalige große Koalition beharrte aber auf dieser Differenzierung und beschloss sie als Bestimmung im Verfassungsrang im Jahr 1992 erneut.2 Damit war sie der „Gewalt“ des Verfassungsgerichtshofs entzogen und dieser Unterschied galt in Österreich die nächsten drei Jahrzehnte. Damals wurde aber auch geregelt, dass 32 Jahre später, beginnend mit 1.1.2024, die Altersgrenze für die normale Alterspension der Frauen jährlich bis zum Jahr 2033 um sechs Monate erhöht wird. 2033 wird dann eine vollständige Angleichung des Pensionsanfallsalters von Männern und Frauen gegeben sein. Das heißt, dass in den nächsten Jahren vermehrt Frauen ab 60 Jahren am Arbeitsmarkt aktiv sein werden. Erste Effekte sind bereits messbar: Im Jahr 2024 stieg die Beschäftigung von Frauen im Alter von 60 Jahren um fast 12.000 Personen im Vergleich zum Vorjahr an. Gleichzeitig war die Arbeitslosigkeit in dieser Altersgruppe im Jahresdurchschnitt 2024 um rund 2.100 Personen höher als 2023." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Bratsberg, Bernt & Elena Stancanelli (2025): Gender norms and partners' joint retirement decisions: learning from a Norwegian reform. (Paris-Jourdan Science Economiques. Working paper 2025-31), Paris, 48 S.

Abstract

"We argue that gender norms may shape partners’ joint retirement decision. We study a 2011 pension reform in Norway, which incentivized postponing retirement for employees of many private sector firms. Using Norwegian register data, we construct population samples of older dual-earner couples in which only one partner was eligible for the reform, and link them to their mothers’ employment status when partners were young, to capture gender norms. Taking an event-study differences-in-differences approach, we find significant employment effects for the partner directly affected by the reform, and heterogeneous spillover effects for the other partner. In particular, women with an employed mother-in-law, but not those with a stay-home mother-inlaw, increase their employment, if their husband does so, due to the reform. In contrast, men with a stay-at-home mother are more likely to postpone retirement if their wife does so, following the reform." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Horvath, Thomas, Helmut Mahringer & Christine Mayrhuber (2025): Älterenbeschäftigungsquoten bis 2030. (WIFO Research Briefs 2025,11), Wien, 11 S.

Abstract

"Das Älterenbeschäftigungspaket der Bundesregierung zielt darauf ab, bis 2030 durch eine Erhöhung der Beschäftigungsquote älterer Erwerbspersonen maßgeblich zur Budgetkonsolidierung beizutragen. Die durchgeführten Simulationen mit microDEMS zeigen, dass sich der Anteil der aktiv Beschäftigten in der Altersgruppe der 60- bis 64-jährigen Frauen ohne die geplanten Maßnahmen nahezu verdoppelt und im Jahr 2030 bei 39,9% liegen würde. Bei den Männern dieser Altersgruppe sollte der Anstieg 2,5 Prozentpunkte auf 48,1% betragen. Die angestrebte Kostendämpfung im Pensionsbereich in Höhe von 2,7 Mrd. € bis 2030 setzt allerdings höhere Steigerungen der Beschäftigungsquoten in dieser Altersgruppe voraus als berechnet und erfordert eine konsequente Umsetzung der vorgesehenen arbeitsmarktpolitischen Maßnahmen." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Jacobs, Lindsay & Suphanit Piyapromdee (2025): Labor Force Transitions at Older Ages: Burnout, Recovery, and Reverse Retirement. (CEPR discussion paper / Centre for Economic Policy Research 20616), London, 54 S.

Abstract

"Partial and reverse retirement are two key behaviors characterizing labor force dynamics for individuals at older ages, with half working part-time and over a third leaving and later re-entering the labor force at some point. The high rate of exit and re-entry is especially puzzling when considering the flat and declining wage profiles observed at older ages and uncertainty about future re-employment. Using Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, we document the timing and prevalence of these behaviors and show that reverse retirees resemble permanent retirees across many observables, but differ notably in reported job stress and polygenic scores linked to stress sensitivity. To understand what drives these behaviors, we develop and estimate a dynamic model of retirement that incorporates uncertainty in wages and health, along with a novel “burnout-recovery” process representing the accumulation and dissipation of work-related stress. The model replicates key patterns in the data, accounting for over two-thirds of reverse retirement and 40 percent of transitions to part-time work—patterns that cannot be explained by health or wealth shocks alone. Our findings suggest that reverse retirement is largely a predictable response to recoverable stress rather than a reaction to shocks. Policy simulations show that part-time subsidies and sabbaticals enhance labor force attachment and welfare by reducing burnout, while eliminating the Retirement Earnings Test raises re-entry but also increases stress exposure. Together, these findings highlight the central role of stress dynamics in shaping retirement behavior and inform the design of policies to support work at older ages." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kantarcı, Tunga, Jim Been, Arthur van Soest & Daniël van Vuuren (2025): Partial retirement opportunities and the labor supply of older individuals. In: Labour Economics, Jg. 96. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2025.102739

Abstract

"We evaluate partial retirement options as an instrument to increase labor participation among older individuals. In a stated choice experiment, Dutch survey respondents were asked to choose among early, late and partial retirement scenarios purged from restrictions on part-time work and gradual retirement. Retirement scenario characteristics were randomized, generating rich variation in the choice options. The stated choices are validated using revealed preference data on (planned) retirement decisions. Using the stated choice data, we estimate a model that makes the trade-offs between leisure and income over the life cycle explicit, and use the estimated model for counterfactual policy simulations. We find that, as expected, higher (full) pension eligibility ages make actuarially fair (abrupt) early retirement more attractive and make late retirement less attractive, while about one in three respondents prefer partial retirement irrespective of the eligibility age. Early retirement becomes more attractive than late retirement when individuals do not have the partial retirement option. Moreover, the partial retirement decision is sensitive to financial incentives so that subsidizing partial retirement with higher wages or with more than actuarially fair pension increases for delaying retirement increases total labor supply. These findings demonstrate the potential of partial retirement as a policy instrument to stimulate labor participation, especially when pension eligibility is delayed." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.) ((en))

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Patki, Dhiren (2025): Breaking the Implicit Contract: Using Pension Freezes to Study Lifetime Labor Supply. In: Journal of Political Economy Macroeconomics, Jg. 3, H. 3, S. 305-342. DOI:10.1086/736925

Abstract

"This paper studies the elimination of defined benefit pensions and subsequent adoption of 401(k) plans by U.S. employers. Using matched employer-employee data linked to thousands of firm-level retirement plan changes, it shows that unexpected losses in future compensation engendered by pensions plan transitions induce premature retirement for some workers and delayed retirement for others. Heterogeneity in retirement behavior stems from differences in the relative strength of substitution and wealth effects. Exploiting treatment effects as estimation targets, it fits a model of retirement and uses the model to quantify welfare costs and labor supply effects of changes in workplace penstion structure." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Xin, Xun, Lili Gao & Yuting He (2025): Empowering older workers through self-regulation: how job crafting and leisure crafting enhance mindfulness and well-being at work. In: Work, Aging and Retirement, Jg. 11, H. 3, S. 266-281. DOI:10.1093/workar/waae017

Abstract

"The capacity for self-regulation is crucial for older workers to maintain adaptability and well-being under aging-related challenges. Building on recent research suggesting that practices of self-regulation can enhance self-regulatory capacity, our study employs self-regulation theory to investigate how two distinct self-regulatory practices—job crafting (JC) and leisure crafting (LC)—support older workers in enhancing their work well-being through the lens of self-regulatory capacity, specifically mindfulness. Within this theoretical framework, we further explore the combined effects of JC and LC on adaptation to the aging process. A three-wave time-lagged survey was conducted among 227 older Chinese workers from science and technology enterprises. The results from latent structural equation modeling indicate that mindfulness at work mediates the relationship between crafting practices (both JC and LC) and work well-being. Moreover, JC and LC exhibit a compensatory relationship in facilitating mindfulness at work, which in turn promotes the work well-being of older workers. These findings offer a novel perspective grounded in self-regulation theory, highlighting how JC and LC contribute to successful aging by strengthening mindfulness capacity." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Bittschi, Benjamin, Thomas Horvath, Helmut Mahringer, Christine Mayrhuber, Martin Spielauer & Philipp Warum (2024): Assessing the Labour Supply Effect of Harmonising Regular Retirement Age in Austria. (WIFO working papers 673), Wien, 26 S.

Abstract

"The aim of this study is to assess the impact of the ongoing harmonization of the retirement age for women with that for men on women's labor supply in Austria. According to the current legal framework, the standard retirement age for women will be gradually raised from 60 to 65 years from 2024 onwards, with the retirement age being raised by 6 months each year. The impact of the pension reform on women's labor supply is quantified using the dynamic microsimulation model microDEMS. This model integrates demographic changes in line with official population projections and detailed labor market modelling. According to our projections, the labour supply of women aged 60 to 64 increases by 87,000 in 2040 compared to a scenario in which the retirement age remains unchanged. We compare our results with two alternative approaches: the more stylised microWELT simulation model and a purely data-driven approach. While all methods produce very similar results in the long run, the detailed modelling in microDEMS provides more plausible results during the transition period when the reform is gradually implemented. This is because it allows for a realistic representation of pension paths, taking into account all relevant pension types and the corresponding eligibility criteria, such as sufficient accumulated insurance periods. In contrast to a purely data-driven approach, microDEMS modelling also has the advantage of explicitly representing and quantifying the components of the change in labour supply." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Boeri, Tito, Matteo Gamalerio, Massimo Morelli & Margherita Negri (2024): Pay-as-they-get-in: attitudes toward migrants and pension systems. In: Journal of economic geography, Jg. 24, H. 1, S. 63-78. DOI:10.1093/jeg/lbad036

Abstract

"We study whether a better knowledge of the functioning of pay-as-you-go (PAYG) pension systems and recent demographic trends affects natives’ attitudes toward immigration. In two online experiments conducted in Italy and Spain, we randomly treated participants with a video explaining how, in PAYG systems, the payment of current pensions depends on the contributions paid by current workers. The video also informs participants about population aging trends in their countries. The treatment increases knowledge of PAYG systems and future demographic trends for all participants. However, it improves attitudes toward migrants only for treated participants who do not support populist and anti-immigrant parties." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Cahill, Kevin E., Michael D. Giandrea, Joseph F. Quinn, Lawrence B. Sacco & Loretta G. Platts (2024): Does Bridge Employment Mitigate or Exacerbate Inequalities Later in Life? In: Work, Aging and Retirement, Jg. 10, H. 2, S. 77-99. DOI:10.1093/workar/waac020

Abstract

"Most older Americans with career employment change jobs at least once before retiring from the labor market. Much is known about the prevalence and determinants of these bridge jobs, yet relatively little is known about the implications of such job changes—compared to direct exits from a career job —upon economic disparities in later life. In this article, we use 26 years of longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study to document the various pathways that older Americans take when exiting the labor force, and examine how bridge employment affects nonhousing wealth and total wealth, including the present discounted value of Social Security benefits. We find that gradual retirement in the form of bridge employment neither exacerbates nor mitigates wealth inequalities among Americans who hold career jobs later in life. That said, we do find some evidence that wealth inequalities grow among the subset of older career workers who transition from career employment to bridge employment at older ages. One policy implication of our article is that it provides evidence that might allay concerns about the potential for disparate financial impacts associated with the gradual retirement process." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Dalle, Axana, Elsy Verhofstadt & Stijn Baert (2024): The subsidy trap: Explaining the unsatisfactory effectiveness of hiring subsidies for the senior unemployed. (Working paper / Ghent University. Faculty of Economics and Business Administration 2024/1082), Gent, 36 S.

Abstract

"To extend the labor market participation of seniors, numerous countries provide subsidies to incentivise their recruitment or employment. Prior research demonstrates that the effectiveness of such subsidies is rather unsatisfactory, although the reasons for this inadequacy remain unclear. Therefore, we examined negative employer perceptions triggered by eligibility for such subsidies that might explain this disappointing effectiveness. To this end, we set up a vignette experiment in which 292 genuine recruiters assessed fictitious candidates on their hireability and underlying productivity estimations. These candidates differed experimentally in their eligibility for a hiring subsidy targeted at the unemployed aged 58 or over. Our results indicate that the subsidy has a negative effect on their hiring outcomes. This adverse effect is explained by negative perceptions that counteract the financial incentive. Specifically, the subsidized candidates signal lower physical and technological skills along with an augmented difficulty in hiring and labor inspection." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Dalle, Axana, Elsy Verhofstadt & Stijn Baert (2024): The subsidy trap: Explaining the unsatisfactory effectiveness of hiring subsidies for the senior unemployed. In: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Jg. 227. DOI:10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106713

Abstract

"To extend the labour market participation of seniors, numerous countries provide subsidies to incentivise their recruitment or employment. Prior research demonstrates that the effectiveness of such subsidies is rather unsatisfactory, although the reasons for this inadequacy remain unclear. Therefore, we examined negative employer perceptions triggered by eligibility for such subsidies that might explain this disappointing effectiveness. To this end, we set up a vignette experiment in which 292 genuine recruiters assessed fictitious candidates on their hireability and underlying productivity estimations. These candidates differed experimentally in their eligibility for a hiring subsidy targeted at the unemployed aged 58 or over. Our results indicate that the subsidy has a negative effect on their hiring outcomes. This adverse effect is explained by negative perceptions that counteract the financial incentive. Specifically, the subsidised candidates signal lower physical and technological skills along with an augmented difficulty in hiring and labour inspection." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2024 Elsevier) ((en))

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De Brouwer, Octave & Ilan Tojerow (2024): Old-age unemployment and labour supply: an application to Belgium. In: Empirical economics, Jg. 67, H. 1, S. 253-287. DOI:10.1007/s00181-023-02544-1

Abstract

"Over the last two decades, social security reforms in several European countries have turned early retirement routes for older workers increasingly difficult. The size of the effects of these reforms on labor supply and social security transfers, and how these effects interact with workers' characteristics have yet to be measured. This article sheds light on this issue by exploring the consequences of postponing access to an old-age unemployment program—from age 58 to 60—in Belgium. The program provides laid-off workers with a combination of unemployment benefits and a monthly supplement paid by the employer until the full retirement age. Exploiting register data on the universe of workers and using a difference-in-difference identification strategy, the authors find that UCS eligibility negatively affects employment participation but also mitigates older workers' participation in other social security programs." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Springer-Verlag) ((en))

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Hernaes, Erik, Simen Markussen, John Piggott & Knut Røed (2024): The impact of pension reform on employment, retirement, and disability insurance claims. In: Journal of Population Economics, Jg. 37, H. 4. DOI:10.1007/s00148-024-01052-5

Abstract

"We evaluate the 2011 comprehensive reform of Norwegian early retirement institutions using a parsimonious random utility choice model. Conditional on employment at age 60, we estimate a three-state conditional logit model to explain the realized labor market state at age 63 among the alternatives of employment, retirement, and disability program participation. The reform radically changed work incentives and/or pension access age for some (but not all) workers, such that the influence of economic incentives can be identified based on reform-generated variation only. We find that improved work incentives caused employment rates to rise considerably at the expense of early retirement and exit through disability insurance. Improved liquidity through a lower age to access own pension funds on actuarially neutral terms caused a small increase in employment and a large drop in disability program participation. Properly designed pension reforms thus need to take the interplay between old-age pension and disability insurance programs into account." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Klinges, Giulia, Alain Jousten & Mathieu Lefebvre (2024): Social Security and Inequality in Belgium. (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 16735), Bonn, 37 S.

Abstract

"Over the years, the Belgian social security system has undergone substantial reform with a prime focus on increasing older worker labor force participation. The paper explores the effect of past reforms on inequality in old age. We distinguish two separate effects: The mechanical effect considers the change in inequality and expected benefit levels due to the reforms for a fixed retirement age distribution. The behavioral effect accounts for the endogenous change caused by changes in the incentives to work. Our results show that mechanically, reforms have led to losses in expected benefits for all but the lowest income quintile. Behavioral changes had a positive but orders of magnitude smaller effect. Overall, inequality decreased as a result of reforms." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Sousa-Ribeiro, Marta, Johanna Stengård, Constanze Leineweber & Claudia Bernhard-Oettel (2024): Are Trajectories of Preferred Retirement Ages Associated with Health, Work Ability and Effort–Reward Imbalance at Work? Findings from a 6-Year Swedish Longitudinal Study. In: Work, Aging and Retirement, Jg. 10, H. 3, S. 225-240. DOI:10.1093/workar/waad006

Abstract

"Preferred retirement age (PRA) is one key dimension when studying retirement decision-making. However, little is known concerning how PRA develops over the late career years. This study used a person-centered approach to longitudinally investigate trajectories of PRA and how they differ in self-rated health, perceived work ability, and effort–reward imbalance (ERI) at baseline levels and over 6 years. The study used data from four waves (2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016) of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health. The sample consisted of 1,510 individuals aged 50–55 in 2010, who answered to the questionnaire for those in paid work (including self-employment) at the baseline and at least one of the following waves. Results from the latent class growth curve modeling show both within- and between-person variability in PRA over the 6-year span. We found four distinct trajectories, which differed both at the baseline levels and in the patterns of change in PRA: “C1: normative, relatively stable PRA” (42% of all participants); “C2: considerably early, increasing PRA” (6% of the participants); “C3: late, relatively stable PRA” (4% of the participants); and “C4: early, increasing PRA” (49% of the participants). Participants revealed a clear preference for retirement before the age of 65. Trajectories comprising earlier PRA showed poorer self-rated health, poorer work ability, and higher levels of ERI at the baseline and over time. The findings reinforce the importance of healthy work environments that promote work ability and facilitate a balance between efforts and rewards for encouraging longer working lives." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Taber, Christopher, Ananth Seshadri & Xiaodong Fan (2024): Estimation of a Life-Cycle Model with Human Capital, Labor Supply, and Retirement. In: Journal of Political Economy, Jg. 132, H. 1, S. 48-95. DOI:10.1086/726232

Abstract

"We estimate a life-cycle model of consumption, human capital investment, and labor supply. The interaction between human capital and labor supply towards the end of the life cycle is most novel. The estimates replicate the main features of the data, in particular the large increase in wages and small increase in labor supply at the beginning of the life cycle and the small decrease in wages but large decrease in labor supply towards the end. We show that incorporating human capital is critical when analyzing changes to Social Security." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Turek, Konrad, Kène Henkens & Matthijs Kalmijn (2024): Gender and Educational Inequalities in Extending Working Lives: Late-Life Employment Trajectories Across Three Decades in Seven Countries. In: Work, Aging and Retirement, Jg. 10, H. 2, S. 100-122. DOI:10.1093/workar/waac021

Abstract

"Public policies encourage later retirement, but they often do not account for discrepancies in the capacity for extending working lives. This paper studies trends and inequalities in extending working lives between 1990 and 2019 from gender and education perspectives in seven countries (Australia, Germany, Russia, South Korea, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States). The three-decade-long data provide insights into the societal transition toward extended employment that began in the mid-1990s. Using latent class growth analysis, we identify five universal trajectories representing late-life employment in all countries: Early, Standard and Late Exit patterns, and stable Nonemployment and Late Employment patterns. Regression analyses show that Non-Employment dominated the 1990s, but it significantly declined, giving space to Late Employment as one of the major employment pathways. Gender and educational differences are considerable and stable and constitute important stratification markers of late careers. Progress toward later employment affects all analyzed countries but in different ways, suggesting the simple generalizations of one-country findings can be risky. We discuss the risks of universal progress toward extending employment that can bring unequal results and negative consequences for vulnerable groups. This study also contributes methodologically by exploring the trajectory-oriented perspective on late careers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

Zitatform

Walwei, Ulrich (2024): Older Workers in Germany: Employment Potentials in International Comparison. (IAB-Forschungsbericht 14/2024 (en)), Nürnberg, 24 S. DOI:10.48720/IAB.FB.2414EN

Abstract

"In vielen Staaten der westlichen Welt erreichen die geburtenstarken Jahrgänge mehr und mehr das Rentenalter. Da weniger junge Arbeitskräfte in den Arbeitsmarkt nachrücken als Ältere ausscheiden, sinkt unter sonst gleichen Bedingungen die Zahl der verfügbaren Arbeitskräfte. Gleichzeitig wachsen die Finanzierungsprobleme in der Rentenversicherung, denn insbesondere in den international weit verbreiteten Umlagesystemen zahlen immer weniger Menschen in die Altersvorsorge ein. Gleichzeitig wächst der Anteil der Rentenbeziehenden. Vor diesem Hintergrund rückt die Erwerbsbeteiligung älterer Personen verstärkt in den Fokus. Der Bericht startet mit einer Übersicht der Erwerbsarbeit von Älteren in einem breiteren internationalen Vergleich. Dem folgt eine Situationsbeschreibung für Deutschland. Im Anschluss soll ein genauerer Blick auf die Länder gerichtet werden, die bei der Erwerbstätigkeit Älterer ganz vorne stehen. Es geht darum, Anhaltspunkte für diejenigen Faktoren zu erhalten, die das hohe Beschäftigungsniveau der Älteren in diesen Ländern begünstigt haben könnten. Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland hat bei der Beschäftigung Älterer in den letzten Dekaden deutlich aufgeholt. Dies gilt insbesondere für die 50-64-Jährigen. Im Vergleich zu den Spitzenländern fehlen mittlerweile nur noch wenige Prozentpunkte. Ein größerer Rückstand besteht allerdings noch bei den 65- bis 74-Jährigen. Der künftige Abstand zu anderen Ländern wird bei dieser Altersgruppe durch gegenläufige Entwicklungen beeinflusst. Durch die weiteren Schritte in Richtung der „Rente mit 67“ dürfte er sich vermutlich weiter verringern, durch die „Rente mit 63“ aber verlangsamt werden. Deutschland wird mit Blick auf die Erwerbstätigenquoten Älterer aber noch von einigen Ländern übertroffen. Hier stellt sich die Frage, welche Faktoren hinter der günstigen Entwicklung des Arbeitsmarktes für Ältere in diesen Ländern stehen könnten. Zu Vergleichszwecken wird in diesem Bericht die Situation in Japan, Neuseeland, Island, Norwegen und Schweden näher betrachtet, die weltweit die höchsten Erwerbstätigenquoten von Älteren aufweisen. Dabei werden nacheinander verschiedene, für die Erwerbstätigkeit Älterer bedeutsame Aspekte aus einer international vergleichenden Perspektive beleuchtet. Der Vergleich ergibt eine ganze Reihe von wichtigen Punkten, an die in anderen Ländern angeknüpft werden könnte. Die hohe Alterserwerbstätigkeit in Island, Schweden und Norwegen steht in Verbindung mit der in beiden Ländern hohen Frauenerwerbsbeteiligung und kontinuierlichen Verbesserungen im Bildungsniveau der Bevölkerung, einschließlich der beruflichen Weiterbildung. Neuseeland weist einen geringen Lohnabstand von Älteren gegenüber Jüngeren und hohe Einstellungsquoten Älterer auf, die zudem auch das Ergebnis einer konsequenten und öffentlich wahrnehmbaren Antidiskriminierungspolitik sind. In Japan spielen der demografisch bedingt sehr starke Arbeitskräftebedarf und Einkommensbedarfe auf individueller Ebene eine offenbar sehr große Rolle, da viele Ältere dort erwerbstätig sein müssen, um ihren Lebensunterhalt zu sichern. Hohe bzw. steigende Erwerbstätigenquoten Älterer sind grundsätzlich kein Selbstläufer. Sie setzen eine gute Bildung und Qualifikation auf der individuellen Ebene sowie die Möglichkeit und Befähigung zu lebenslangem Lernen voraus. Auch gesundheitliche Prävention ist für ein langes Erwerbsleben wichtig, die wie die Bildung am besten so früh wie möglich beginnt. Hohe Erwerbstätigenquoten Älterer werden nicht nur durch die individuelle Beschäftigungsfähigkeit begünstigt, sondern auch durch die Attraktivität des Arbeitsmarkts und damit der für Ältere erreichbaren Beschäftigung. Je besser es gelingt, Kompetenzen und Fähigkeiten der Älteren zu stärken, alters- und alternsgerechte Arbeit zu organisieren und flexibel auf Beschäftigtenwünsche einzugehen, desto größer ist die Chance, Ältere am Arbeitsmarkt zu halten oder zurückzugewinnen. Schließlich sind auch Regulierungen und Förderprogramme ins Blickfeld zu nehmen, die Anreize für Beschäftigung im Alter setzen. Zu nennen sind hier die Flexibilität des Rentenzugangs, arbeitsrechtliche Erleichterungen bei der Weiterbeschäftigung im Alter, die Bezugsdauer des Arbeitslosengelds für Ältere sowie die Berücksichtigung älterer Arbeitsloser in der aktiven Arbeitsmarktpolitik." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

Zitatform

Cetin, Sefane & Alain Jousten (2023): Retirement Decision of Belgian Couples and the Impact of the Social Security System. (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 16470), Bonn, 30 S.

Abstract

"This paper investigates the retirement patterns of married couples in Belgium. To forecast retirement behavior, we use administrative Social Security data from 2003 to 2017 and a discrete choice random utility model. In particular, we concentrate on the spousal bonus of pension payments to comprehend how financial incentives resulting from the social security system's structural design affect both partners' retirement decisions. We simulate the effect of the elimination of the spousal bonus and find that a small portion of women delay their retirement whereas the rest substitute into alternative social security benefits. Our results do not only highlight the significance of cross-program spillovers between various Social Security benefits, but also the heterogeneity in preferences for retirement and asymmetry of retirement behavior between husbands and wives." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Dalle, Axana, Louis Lippens & Stijn Baert (2023): Nothing Really Matters: Evaluating Demand-Side Moderators of Age Discrimination in Hiring. (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 16672), Bonn, 60 S.

Abstract

"As age discrimination hampers the OECD's ambition to extend the working population, an efficient anti-discrimination policy targeted at the right employers is critical. Therefore, the context in which age discrimination is most prevalent must be identified. In this study, we thoroughly review the current theoretical arguments and empirical findings regarding moderators of age discrimination in different demand-side domains (i.e. decision-maker, vacancy, occupation, organisation, and sector). Our review demonstrates that the current literature is highly fragmented and often lacks field-experimental evidence, raising concerns about its internal and external validity. To address this gap, we conducted a correspondence experiment and systematically linked the resulting data to external data sources. In so doing, we were able to study the priorly determined demand-side moderators within a single multi-level analysis and simultaneously control multiple correlations between potential moderators and discrimination estimates. Having done so, we found no empirical support for any of these moderators." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Fernández, Juan J., Gema García-Albacete, Antonio M. Jaime-Castillo & Jonas Radl (2023): Priming or learning? The influence of pension policy information on individual preferences in Germany, Spain and the United States. In: Journal of European Social Policy, Jg. 33, H. 3, S. 337-352. DOI:10.1177/09589287231164347

Abstract

"A promising approach to pension policy preferences focuses on the influence of policy related information. We advance this research programme by examining the impact of information about future pension benefits, including whether information effects occur through priming, learning or both. Drawing on a novel, split-sample survey experiment in the US, Germany and Spain, we examine the impact of information on forecasted pension replacement rates for 2040 on pension policy attitudes. Findings indicate that the information treatment increases support for the two outcomes considered: (i) increases in the pensionable age and (ii) greater spending on pensions relative to other social programmes. Analyses of heterogeneous treatment effects accounting for prior beliefs of participants show that information effects occur both through priming and learning. The study concludes that hard, non-partisan information increases support for reforms that foster the financial sustainability of pension systems, although the scope of information effects depends on contextual conditions." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Focacci, Chiara Natalie, Gülin Öylü, Andreas Motel-Klingebiel & Susanne Kelfve (2023): The value of pension reforms for late working life: evidence from Sweden. In: The international journal of sociology and social policy, Jg. 43, H. 13/14, S. 79-89. DOI:10.1108/IJSSP-02-2023-0038

Abstract

"Purpose: Driven by the aim to increase the participation of older people in the labor force and to extend people's working lives, the Swedish Parliament passed a bill in 1998 to increase the pension eligibility age from 60 to 61 years and establish a notional defined-contribution (NDC) plan. In this article, the authors investigate the impacts towards the prolongation of working lives expected from such an intervention. Design/methodology/approach The authors apply a multinomial probabilistic model based on Swedish registry data on the birth cohorts 1937–1938 (n  = 102,826) and observe differences in exit behaviour between eligible and non-eligible individuals. Findings: The authors find that the cohorts eligible to the pension reform exit the labor market at a later age compared to non-eligible cohorts at the 61-years cut-off. The authors also find that the effect persists in the long term. Furthermore, the authors find that both men and women are equally struck by the reform. Originality/value While there exist many descriptive reports and theoretical analyses on the costs and benefits of pension reforms, this study is the first one to empirically analyse the effect of the first European NDC pay-as-you go pension plan on the potential exclusion of old-aged workers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Emerald Group) ((en))

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Gerrard, Jessica & Juliet Watson (2023): The Productivity of Unemployment and the Temporality of Employment-to-Come: Older Disadvantaged Job Seekers. In: Sociological research online, Jg. 28, H. 1, S. 21-36. DOI:10.1177/13607804211009534

Abstract

"This article demonstrates how unemployment is made productive through workfare activities for older disadvantaged job seekers. We suggest that the requirement to look for work, engage in education and training, and participate in voluntary work blurs the boundaries between employment and unemployment. Drawing on in-depth qualitative research with older disadvantaged job seekers, we demonstrate how this obligatory productivity is lived and felt, characterised by shame and frustration and framed by the temporality of waiting and searching for work. We suggest that this experience of ‘productive’ unemployment can be described as a dissonant state of ‘transitional stasis’, whereby job seekers are expected to transition out of unemployment and poverty while experiencing the long-term and ongoing effects of immobility." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Hernaes, Erik, Tom Kornstad, Simen Markussen & Knut Røed (2023): Ageing and labor productivity. In: Labour Economics, Jg. 82. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2023.102347

Abstract

"We exploit a policy-induced shift in the labor supply of elderly (age 63–67) workers in Norway to explore how aging of the workforce within existing firms is likely to affect labor productivity and the demand for younger workers. Our results are imprecise, but indicate that a higher share of age 63–67 workers increases total wage costs and has a small positive effect on labor productivity in the short run. Postponed retirement of existing elderly workers leads to a significant decline in the hiring of younger (below age 30) workers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2023 Elsevier) ((en))

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Kim, Soohyun (2023): Access to employer-provided paid leave and eldercare provision for older workers. In: Community, work & family, Jg. 26, H. 3, S. 285-291. DOI:10.1080/13668803.2021.1885346

Abstract

"Paid leave for family and medical reasons is an important workplace benefit for older workers with eldercare responsibilities by offering time off from work to deal with the need for caregiving, but little is known about its effects on eldercare provision. I study the association between employer-provided paid leave and eldercare provision among workers aged 45 or over, using the 2011 and 2017–18 American Time Use Survey and its Leave Modules. Among various types of leave, paid leave for eldercare was the only type of leave associated with an increase in any care provision by six percentage points. The positive relationship was stronger for care provided less than daily than care provided daily. The significant, but small, increase in care provision associated with paid leave for eldercare suggests the role of paid leave in facilitating care for older adults among middle- and old-aged workers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Morris, Todd & Benoit Dostie (2023): Graying and Staying on the Job: The Welfare Implications of Employment Protection for Older Workers. (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 16430), Bonn, 44 S.

Abstract

"We study the welfare implications of employment protection for older workers, exploiting recent bans on mandatory retirement across Canadian provinces. Using linked employer- employee tax data, we show that the bans cause large and similar reductions in job separation rates and retirement hazards at age 65, with further reductions at higher ages. The effects vary substantially across industries and firms, and around two-fifths of the adjustments occur between ban announcement and implementation dates. We find no evidence that the demand for older workers falls, but the welfare effects are mediated by spillovers on savings behavior, workplace injuries, and spousal retirement timing." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Orfao, Guillermo & Miguel Ángel Malo (2023): Are active labour market policies effective for the older unemployed? A meta-evaluation. In: Ageing & Society, Jg. 43, S. 1617-1637. DOI:10.1017/S0144686X21001288

Abstract

"We present a meta-evaluation of the literature on the impacts of active labour market policies for unemployed people over 50, extracting 82 impacts for analysis. The meta-evaluation includes only impact evaluations that examine both a group of beneficiaries and a control group of comparable non-beneficiaries. On average, we find that active policies have a slightly negative effect (−0.8 percentage points) on the probability of unemployed people over 50 finding a job and that this negative effect disappears 24 months after policy implementation. However, this effect is very different when disaggregated by policy type. Direct job creation policies have a clear negative effect (−3.9 percentage points), and training policies have a positive average effect, either in isolation (2.4 percentage points) or when combined with search assistance or counselling (1.7 percentage points). We also find slight differences by gender, with the effect of active policies being greater for women than for men. These results have important implications, given that the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development have made active policies the cornerstone of their efforts to improve the re-employment of older people. Our results support training policies, either in isolation or in combination with search assistance and counselling. The greatest impacts are obtained after 12 months of policy implementation." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Sacco, Lawrence B., Laurie M. Corna, Debora Price & Karen Glaser (2023): Pathways of participation in paid and unpaid work in mid to later life in the United Kingdom. In: Ageing & Society, Jg. 43, H. 9, S. 2067-2094. DOI:10.1017/S0144686X21001537

Abstract

"Policy responses to population ageing have focused on lengthening working lives, overlooking inequalities in older adults’ participation in unpaid activities. This paper examines participation in paid and unpaid activities between the ages of 55 and 70 to answer two questions: how do people navigate pathways of paid work, informal care, volunteering, civic participation and housework in mid to later life?; and how do these pathways relate to gender, socio-economic and health inequalities? Two-staged latent class analysis was used to identify activity pathways using data from the British Household Panel Survey (1996–2008). Multinomial logistic models assessed associations between latent pathways and socio-demographic and health characteristics. Three pathways were observed: full-time work to low activity (49%), part-time and in-home work (34%) and multiple activities (16%). Aside from retirement from full-time work, the pathways of participation in paid and unpaid activities were characterised by continuity; substitution between different forms of paid and unpaid work was not observed. Participation in multiple paid and unpaid activities was more common for respondents in better health and of higher socio-economic status. Since the promotion of paid work and volunteering in later life may mainly benefit individuals in advantaged circumstances, policies should avoid taking a blanket approach to encouraging participation in multiple activities, a key component of active ageing." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Blank, Florian & Erik Türk (2022): Altersrenten und sozialer Ausgleich in Deutschland und Österreich – ein Vergleich anhand von Modellrechnungen. In: Sozialer Fortschritt, Jg. 71, H. 2, S. 139-163. DOI:10.3790/sfo.71.2.139

Abstract

"Die Gegenüberstellung der Rentenansprüche für einheitliche, idealtypische Biografien ermöglicht den Vergleich von Unterschieden der Rentensysteme selbst. Die von der OECD erstellten Modellbiografien mit durchgehenden Erwerbsverläufen, abschlagsfreiem Renteneintritt und stabilen Einkommenspositionen bilden den Ausgangspunkt für den Vergleich der Rentenversicherungen Deutschlands und Österreichs. Die Vorgehensweise der OECD wird dargestellt, sofern erforderlich korrigiert, aktualisiert und weiterentwickelt. Zusätzlich werden Arbeitslosigkeit, vorzeitiger Renteneintritt sowie Kindererziehungszeiten berücksichtigt. Durch diese Ergänzungen werden eine höhere Realitätsanbindung erreicht und Elemente des sozialen Ausgleichs einbezogen. Es zeigt sich, dass die österreichische Pensionsversicherung in jeder Konstellation deutlich höhere Leistungen gewährt, die Elemente des sozialen Ausgleichs den Abstand teils vergrößern, teils verringern." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Bloemen, Hans (2022): Job search requirements for older unemployed workers. Search requirements for the older unemployed affect their re-employment rates and their flows into states of inactivity. (IZA world of labor 235,2), Bonn, 11 S. DOI:10.15185/izawol.235.v2

Abstract

"Politische Maßnahmen zur Aktivierung älterer Arbeitnehmer sind in vielen OECD-Länder mit rasch alternden Bevölkerungen von großer Bedeutung. Forschungsergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass die Integration Älterer in die allgemein an Arbeitslose gestellten Suchanforderungen zu einem verstärkten Übergang in Beschäftigung führen kann. Als negativer Begleiteffekt ist allerdings eine Zunahme von Inaktivität, etwa durch Berufsunfähigkeit, zu berücksichtigen. Insgesamt kann eine Strategie, die konkrete Suchanforderungen an ältere Arbeitslose stellt und mit einem Monitoringverfahren verbindet, die Wiederbeschäftigung von Älteren deutlich stärken." (Autorenreferat, IAB-Doku)

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Davare, Ramani, Felix Kreis & Amara Scheitlin (2022): Population ageing and its consequences in health, labour market and gender policies. (European Centre for Social Welfare Policy and Research. Policy brief 2022,03), Wien, 23 S.

Abstract

"Population ageing in the next few decades will result in a higher fraction of older people in European societies. In 2050, there will be close to half a million centenarians and approximately 130 million people over the age of 65 living in the EU with important consequences for economic growth, labour markets and social security. Still, European states have implemented international initiatives and recommendations rather poorly and to different extents. This policy brief analyses the current limitations in ageing-related health, labour market and gender policies in Hungary, Estonia, Germany and the Netherlands." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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De Brouwer, Octave & Ilan Tojerow (2022): Old-Age Unemployment and Labor Supply: An Application to Belgium. (IZA discussion paper / Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit 15628), Bonn, 47 S.

Abstract

"Over the last two decades, most OECD countries have reformed their social security in order to make early departures from the labor market increasingly difficult. Despite the fiscal gains that are expected from these reforms, it is likely that these gains from longer careers will be partly offset by increasing expenses on other social security programs. This article sheds light on this issue by exploring the consequences of postponing access to an old-age unemployment program from age 58 to 60. The program provides laid-off workers with a combination of unemployment benefits and a monthly supplement paid by the employer until the full retirement age. Exploiting a rich set of administrative data, we study the effect of this reform on workers' employment and various social security benefits (i.e. unemployment, disability, early retirement and compensated working time reductions), using a triple difference method as identification strategy. Our results show that, for men, the reform had a positive effect on employment, with a small positive effect on a program called Time-Credit, i.e., a social security program that facilitates working time reductions at the end of the career. For women, we find no significant effect on employment but instead a large spillover effect on unemployment. We find that gender differences in job characteristics can help to explain this difference, since women are more likely to work in part-time, low-wage and blue-collar occupations than men, and no significant employment effects are found for these groups of workers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Deeg, Dorly J. H., Morten Blekesaune & Astrid de Wind (2022): Employment trends at older ages: policy impact or secular change? In: European Journal of Ageing, Jg. 19, H. 3, S. 689-698. DOI:10.1007/s10433-021-00664-0

Abstract

"Observed increases in retirement age are generally attributed to policies to extend working lives (PEW). In a quasi-experimental design, we examine to what extent increases in employment of older workers can be attributed to secular changes in individual characteristics as opposed to PEW. We compare two countries: one with clear PEW (the Netherlands) and one without PEW (Norway). Data come from the Dutch Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam and the NORwegian Longitudinal study on Aging and Generations. From each study, two same-age (55–64 years) samples are selected, one recruited in 2002–03, and one recruited after five (Norway) and ten years (Netherlands). In pooled regression analysis, paid work is the outcome variable, and time of measurement, the main independent variable. Individual characteristics include age, sex, educational level, self-perceived health, functional limitations, sense of mastery, and work status of partner. Employment rose in both countries, faster in the Netherlands than in Norway. Of the rise in employment, individual characteristics explained less in the Netherlands than in Norway. Accounting for these, the interaction country*time was significant, indicating an extra rise in employment of 5.2 and 7.5% points for Dutch men and women, net of individual characteristics and unobserved factors that are assumed to be similar in both countries. The extra rise in the Netherlands represents 57% of the total rise for both sexes. Thus, secular change in individual characteristics explains part of the rise in employment in both countries. In the Netherlands, other factors such as PEW may additionally explain the rise in employment." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Freeman, Richard B. (2022): Planning for the “Expected Unexpected”: Work and Retirement in the U.S. After the COVID-19 Pandemic Shock. (NBER working paper 29653), Cambridge, Mass, 33 S. DOI:10.3386/w29653

Abstract

"This chapter analyzes the implications of the unexpected 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic for work and retirement in the U.S. The pandemic induced the greatest loss of jobs in the shortest period of time in U.S. history. A slow economic recovery would surely have endangered work longer/retire later policies that seek to adjust the finances of Social Security retirement to an aging population. Boosted by the huge CARES (March 2020) and ARPA (April 2021) rescue packages, the early recovery from the COVID-19 recession was faster and stronger than the recovery from the 2007-2009 Great Recession. Even so, the pandemic greatly altered the job market, with workers suffering from long COVID having difficulty returning to work and more workers working from home. In its immediate effect and potential long-run impact, the pandemic recession/recovery is a wake-up call to the danger that shocks from the natural world pose to work and retirement. Realistic planning for the future of work and retirement should go beyond analyzing socioeconomic trends to analyzing expected unexpected changes from the natural world as well." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Lucifora, Claudio & Martina Repetto (2022): Big five personality traits and retirement decisions. In: Labour, Jg. 36, H. 1, S. 1-28. DOI:10.1111/labr.12210

Abstract

"We estimate the effect of the Big Five personality traits on the retirement decisions of individuals aged between 50 and 80 years in fourteen European countries, using wave 7 from the SHARE data. We investigate the probability of retirement and a measure of the distance between actual retirement and ordinary retirement age. Overall, we find that personality affects retirement decisions, and the effects are similar across gender. Openness to experience, conscientiousness and extraversion are generally associated with a delay in retirement decisions, whereas neuroticism anticipates the exit from the labour market." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, Published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons) ((en))

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Wikström, Ewa, Karin Allard, Rebecka Arman, Roy Liff, Daniel Seldén & Roland Kadefors (2022): Organisational Capability for Delayed Retirement. In: H. F. Erhag, U. L. Nilsson, T. R. Sterner & I. Skoog (Hrsg.) (2022): ¬A¬ Multidisciplinary Approach to Capability in Age and Ageing, S. 221-232. DOI:10.1007/978-3-030-78063-0_16

Abstract

"Throughout the industrialised world, societies are ageing. These demographic changes have created a political and societal focus on an extended working life. Unfortunately, there is a lack of systematic knowledge about how such changes can be successfully implemented within organisations. In this chapter, we discuss this lacuna and specifically focus on organisational capability. We highlight workplace conditions and practices that may inhibit or promote the retention of workers beyond the previous norm for retirement. The novelty of an organisational capability approach is that it highlights workplace conditions that enable older people to use their abilities to perform acts of value and to achieve a better quality of life and greater participation in society. Workplace resources, capabilities and functions form a dynamic pattern. Factors that influence the work abilities of older workers are related in complex interactions and not merely in the format of simple cause and effect. When looking at retirement from the perspective of older workers, we have focused on aspects such as the individual’s ability to control the retirement process. Central to Sen’s idea is that individuals have different conversion factors, which means that, even though two individuals may have access to the same resources, they do not necessarily have the capability to enjoy the same functions. For example, the probability that an older person will remain employed will partially depend on his or her health, human capital and type of job. But two seemingly similar individuals can nevertheless have very different chances of remaining employed because their employer has implemented very different age management policies, or simply because they have different attitudes towards older workers. Since organisational capability makes it possible to focus on the interaction between the individual’s resources and preferences and the opportunity structure existing at the workplace (meso level) and embodied in the retirement system (macro level), much of the discussion and many of the policies and practices concerning older people can be related to the concept of capabilities." (Author's abstract, © Springer) ((en))

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Börsch-Supan, Axel, Felizia Hanemann, Brian Beach, Didier Halimi, Susana Harding, Marieke van der Waal, Daisuke Watanabe & Ursula M. Staudinger (2021): Older adults' integration in the labour market: a global view. In: Ageing & Society, Jg. 41, H. 4, S. 917-935. DOI:10.1017/S0144686X19001454

Abstract

"What governs labour force participation in later life and why is it so different across countries? Health and labour force participation in older ages are not strongly linked, but we observe a large variation across countries in old-age labour force participation. This points to the important role of country-specific regulations governing pension receipt and old-age labour force participation. In addition to the statutory eligibility age for a pension, such country-specific regulations include: earnings tests that limit the amount of earnings when pension benefits are received; the amount of benefit deductions for early retirement; the availability of part-time pensions before normal retirement; special regulations that permit early retirement for certain population groups; and either subsidies or extra costs for employers if they keep older employees in their labour force. This paper asks two questions: Can we link a relatively low labour force participation at ages 60–64 to country-specific regulations that make early retirement attractive? and Can we link a relatively high labour force participation at ages 65–74 to country-specific regulations that make late retirement attractive? To answer these questions, we compared the experiences in a set of developed countries around the world in order to understand better the impact of country-specific rules and laws on work and retirement behaviour at older ages and, by consequence, on the financial sustainability of pension systems." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Carta, Francesca, Francesco D'Amuri & Till von Wachter (2021): Workforce Aging, Pension Reforms, and Firm Outcomes. (NBER working paper / National Bureau of Economic Research 28407), Cambridge, Mass, 55 S. DOI:10.3386/w28407

Abstract

"This paper quantifies the effect of a policy-induced sharp increase in retirement ages on input mix and economic outcomes of firms using Italian matched worker-firm data. Data on lifetime pension contributions are used to calculate the expected additional number of older workers employed by each firm due to the reform. Resulting instrumental variable estimates show an increase in older workers leads to a precisely estimated rise in employment of younger workers, value added, and total labor costs at constant labor productivity and unit labor costs. The findings suggest rising institutional retirement ages can help firms to retain valuable older employees." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Font, Paulino, Mario Izquierdo & Sergio Puente (2021): The Effect of Subsidies to Mature-Age Employment: a Quasi-Experimental Analysis. In: Journal of labor research, Jg. 42, H. 2, S. 123-147. DOI:10.1007/s12122-021-09318-7

Abstract

"This paper evaluates the effect of subsidies to employment maintenance on the probability of mature-age workers staying in the firm. Implementing a quasi-experimental design provided by changes in Spanish labor market regulations, we are able to estimate that the end of subsidies had a small though statistically significant and negative impact on workers' firm attachment rate. Our results show that a 1 pp. increase in the worker's cost translates into a 0.11 pp. increase in the cumulative probability of the worker separating from the firm in the next five months. This effect is mainly driven by workers with relatively less seniority in the firm, who present lower dismissal costs; and by workers in low-skill jobs, for which the wage productivity gap seems to negatively evolve with age. In terms of a cost-benefit analysis, we document that the previous higher rate of job maintenance was achieved at a disproportionate cost, and therefore the elimination of the subsidy resulted in in Social Security savings larger than foregone wages." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © Springer-Verlag) ((en))

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Giesecke, Matthias & Philipp Jäger (2021): Pension Incentives and Labor Supply: Evidence from the Introduction of Universal Old-Age Assistance in the UK. (IZA discussion paper 14469), Bonn, 67 S.

Abstract

"We study the labor supply implications of the Old-Age Pension Act (OPA) of 1908, which, for the first time, provided pensions to older people in the UK. Using recently released census data covering the entire population, we exploit variation at the newly created age-based eligibility threshold. Our results show a considerable and abrupt decline in labor force participation of 6.0 percentage points (13%) when older workers reach the eligibility age of 70. To mitigate the impact of population aging today, pension reforms aimed at increasing elderly labor supply, however, have to induce much larger behavioral responses than the OPA." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Gornick, Janet & Eva Sierminska (2021): Wealth Accumulation and Retirement Preparedness in Cross-National Perspective: A Gendered Analysis of Outcomes among Single Adults. (IZA policy paper 181), Bonn, 30 S.

Abstract

"Wealth is an increasingly important dimension of economic well-being and is attracting rising attention in discussions of social inequality. In this paper, we compare – within and across countries – wealth outcomes, and link those to both employment-related factors and policy solutions that have the potential to improve wealth creation and retirement security for women. By constructing country-specific portraits of wealth outcomes and "retirement preparedness," we reveal extensive cross-national variation in multiple facets of wealth. Our regression analysis finds a statistically significant and positive effect of work experience on wealth, with that effect, in general, increasing over time. The effect of work experience for single women is greater than for single men, suggesting that, among men, other, stronger forces are at work in creating wealth. The retirement preparedness outcomes indicate that single women in all three countries are in a precarious position at retirement, with much lower expected annual wealth levels than single men. The second preparedness indicator, which links expected annual wealth to income, demonstrates that men have the potential to cover 1larger shares of their income at retirement – and thus are more able, than their female counterparts, to maintain standards of living achieved earlier in life. Our policy discussion indicates that employment remains a viable option for ultimately bolstering women's wealth accumulation. Many scholars, gender equality advocates, and policymakers have argued for raising women's employment rates – for a multitude of reasons – but few, if any, have made the case for strengthening women's employment in order to ultimately bolster women's wealth building. We hope to help reduce the gap in the literature on policy supports for women's employment and re-open the discussion on how women can create more wealth." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Johnsen, Julian Vedeler & Alexander Willén (2021): The effect of negative income shocks on pensioners. (Working papers / Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy 2021,07), Bonn, 36 S.

Abstract

"This paper provides novel evidence on the labor supply response to negative income shocks in retirement, exploiting an institutional feature that caused differential and unexpected income losses among otherwise identical individuals in a sharp regression discontinuity design. We conclude that retired pensioners do not return to work despite income losses of up to seven percent of their annual income. The paper further shows that the negative income shock had no impact on the health of pensioners. At the height of an ongoing global crisis in which public pension funds are rapidly losing value, these results may be particularly important." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kruse, Herman & Andreas Myhre (2021): Early Retirement Provision for Elderly Displaced Workers. (MPRA paper / University Library of Munich 109431), München, 41 S.

Abstract

"This paper studies the economic effects on re-employment and program substitution behavior among elderly displaced workers who exogenously lose eligibility for their early retirement option. We use detailed Norwegian matched employer-employee data containing information on bankruptcy dates and individual-level wealth, income, pensions and social security benefits. Our empirical strategy employs a regression discontinuity design, as job displacement before a certain age cut-off results in losing eligibility for early retirement benefits between ages 62–67 years in Norway. We find that reemployment rates are indistinguishable between workers who just retain eligibility for early retirement benefits and those who just do not. Meanwhile, those who lose eligibility offset 69% of their lost benefits through take-up of other social security benefits, where 51% comes from disability insurance and 13% from unemployment insurance. Our findings are particularly policy relevant as tightening of age-limits for old-age pensions is on the agenda in several OECD countries, while current economic hardship throughout the region may lead to increased job displacement for elderly workers." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))

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Kuhn, Ursina, Markus M. Grabka & Christian Suter (2021): Early retirement as a privilege for the rich? A comparative analysis of Germany and Switzerland. In: Advances in life course research, Jg. 47. DOI:10.1016/j.alcr.2020.100392

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Quinby, Laura D. & Gal Wettstein (2021): Do deferred benefit cuts for current employees increase separation? In: Labour Economics, Jg. 73. DOI:10.1016/j.labeco.2021.102081

Abstract

"This study examines whether deferred benefit cuts increase worker separation. The analysis utilizes a 2005 reform to the Employees' Retirement System of Rhode Island (ERSRI) that reduced benefits for ERSRI members who had not vested by 2005, and did not affect high-tenure ERSRI members and municipal government employees. A triple-differences research design yields an elasticity of employer-specific labor supply with respect to deferred benefits of 0.28. Although state employees were more sensitive to benefit cuts than teachers, low elasticities for both groups suggest that the labor market for public employees is not highly competitive." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku, © 2022 Elsevier) ((en))

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Qvist, Jeevitha Yogachandiran (2021): The working class and early retirement in Denmark: individual push factors. In: Ageing & Society, Jg. 41, H. 9, S. 2118-2142. DOI:10.1017/S0144686X20000203

Abstract

"Previous research finds that members of the working class have a higher risk of early retirement compared to professionals because they are pushed into early retirement. This indicates that not all workers can respond to incentives to extend their working life. Yet, little previous work has been conducted to quantify systematically the extent to which push factors explain why members of the working class have a higher risk of early retirement compared to professionals. Using longitudinal data on Danish workers, the results suggest that members of the working class have an increased risk of early retirement compared to professionals, but poor health, previous spells of unemployment and low job quality mediate a large part of this effect. Among men, the push factors mediate 57 and 86 per cent of the effect of social class on early retirement for skilled manual and unskilled manual workers, respectively. Among women, the push factors mediate 43 and 55 per cent of the effect of social class on early retirement for skilled manual and unskilled manual workers, respectively. Overly physical work demands is the most important mediator, which explains between 23 and 31 per cent of the total effect of belonging to the working class on early retirement. Moreover, the magnitudes of the indirect effects of the push factors depend on the particular pathway into retirement." (Author's abstract, IAB-Doku) ((en))