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CHAPTER 14
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mindset of employer attitudes and perceptions of older workers, as well as
changes in attitude towards working in later life by many older adults who
possess a wealth of knowledge and experience and who may be forced,
financially, to work beyond statutory retirement age.

14.3. The challenge

From the individual perspective, there are many reasons why older workers
exit the labour market prior to retirement age. For some, the pull of retirement
is strong and may have been aspirational from early on in working life. Many
of the current generation of 50 to 65 year-olds observed parents and grand-
parents experience relatively short retirement periods, which has driven the
desire to retire early and enjoy later life. This has led to a culture of early
retirement which is now proving a difficult mindset to change. For others, the
push towards retirement is forced upon them with many facing financial
challenges that will ensure working in later life is a necessity rather than a
choice. These push and pull factors can also be applied to learning
participation. Bohlinger and van Loo (2010), citing the work of Shultz et al.
(1998) highlight interconnectivity between factors that affect participation in
learning later on in life and labour market participation. They argue that, to
understand the extent to which older adults wish to participate in learning, the
relationships between age, learning and work capacities must be examined.
It is also important to acknowledge the range of factors which influence an
individualʼs capacity for working and learning in later life. McNair (2009)
highlights the increasing challenge of unpaid caring responsibilities, whether
for elderly parents, partners or grand-children. Declining personal health as
well as changes in family circumstance such as children leaving home,
bereavement and divorce can also be contributing factors. These transitions
after 50 (Figure 14.1) are succinctly described by Phillipson (2002), who
concludes that individuals who leave work early often experience growing
disillusionment and exclusion from society.