Affiliations: Nambour Hospital, Nambour, Australia | Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia | Professional Development and Qualitative Research
Consultancy, Brisbane, Australia
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jacki Liddle, PhD, BOccThy (Hons),
Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences,
University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia. Tel.: +61 07 3346
7454; Fax: +61 07 3365 1622; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: The continuation of older people in the paid workforce is regarded
as beneficial for both the economy and older workers. While there have been
attempts to encourage older people to continue working, little is understood
about older workers' perspectives. This qualitative study explored the lived
experiences and perceptions of paid workers aged 60 years and older with the
aim of understanding why older people continue to work and the barriers and
facilitators they encounter. Sixteen older Australians (eight males and eight
females, mean age 67 years) who participated in paid employment for at least
12 hours per month were interviewed. Thematic analysis elicited themes of
benefits of work, problems encountered at work and the ways in which older
people respond to these challenges. Financial considerations, the desire to
contribute and the absence of competing interests were reasons given for
continuing involvement in work. Older workers identified stress, lack of
support, physical demands and overemphasis on qualifications as barriers to
their participation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, having a passion for
work, and education were factors that participants identified as supporting
continued work. These findings enhance the understanding of the experiences of
older workers and may have implications for encouraging workforce participation
of older people.
