Across many nations, a pressing debate unfolds regarding policies that encourage an extended working life, a discussion deeply influenced by the intricate interplay of gender and health in the experiences of older workers. This volume delves into this critical discourse, revealing how gender, individual health status, and the specific characteristics of jobs and occupations profoundly shape one's capacity and opportunities to continue working longer. It moves beyond a simplistic view, offering a nuanced understanding of a complex societal shift.
The journey begins with a sweeping overview of the existing empirical research and policy literature, laying a foundational understanding of the landscape of extended working life. This is followed by an exploration of pertinent theoretical perspectives, providing frameworks through which to interpret the multifaceted dynamics at play. The narrative then meticulously outlines the available data and indicators crucial for measuring and analyzing these trends, ensuring a robust, evidence-based discussion.
A significant portion of the exploration is dedicated to a collection of 25 concise and insightful country reports. These national narratives illuminate the specific research findings and policy trajectories related to extended working life within diverse contexts. Each report offers a unique window into how different nations are grappling with the imperative to extend working careers, revealing both commonalities and distinct challenges.
A central critique emerges regarding the prevailing rationale behind many extended working life policies. Often, these measures are primarily driven by a narrow focus on reducing future pension costs, a motivation that frequently overlooks the differential impacts on men and women. The historical design of pension systems, rooted in a "male breadwinner" model, failed to adequately account for the unpaid care work predominantly undertaken by women, leading to interrupted work histories and diminished pension contributions. Current reforms, which emphasize individualization and closer links between pensions and earnings, risk exacerbating these existing gender inequalities.
The volume underscores that such policies, when implemented without careful consideration, can inadvertently lead to the exclusion of significant segments of the older population from the labor market. It challenges dominant discourses of "active aging" by bringing to light the restrictive end-of-career and retirement measures that often create real processes of exclusion. The implications for well-being are particularly stark when viewed through a gender lens, highlighting how different life course trajectories result in varying risks and opportunities as individuals approach the later stages of their careers.
Ultimately, the work identifies crucial future directions for research and offers insights into the development of more effective policymaking. It advocates for a more comprehensive approach that acknowledges the heterogeneity of older workers' profiles and the profound influence of gender and health. By filling a critical gap in understanding the consequences of extended working life, this exploration serves as an invaluable resource for both researchers seeking deeper insights and policymakers striving to create more equitable and sustainable systems for an aging global population.
