The Meanings of Work for Older Workers
Publication Date
Spring 2007
Description
Several elements influence the meanings of work: the basic psychological processes of aging; the cohort or generation of the worker; the ecology of the work itself; and the larger social context of managing the risks of aging. This article discusses the meaning of work across the lifespan, and then reviews each of these elements to describe the meanings of work for older workers. The authors summarize data from multiple sources to answer several related questions: Why do older workers continue to work—beyond the solely monetary motivation? How do older workers' meanings of work vary by financial, health, job satisfaction, familial, or workplace concerns? What are the implications of these findings for employers and employees?
Journal
Generations
Volume
31
Issue
1
First Page
23
Last Page
30
Department
Psychology
Link to Published Version
http://generations.metapress.com/content/pw04r4l22955060m/
Recommended Citation
Smyer, Michael A. and Pitt-Catsouphes, Marcie. "The Meanings of Work for Older Workers." Generations (2007) : 23-30.