REVIEW PAPER
Factors affecting work ability and influencing early retirement decisions of older employees: an attempt to integrate the existing approaches
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Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
(Department of Medical Sociology, Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine)
Online publication date: 2022-08-01
Corresponding author
Barbara Woźniak
Jagiellonian University Medical College, Department of Medical Sociology, Chair of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine,
Kopernika 7a, 31-034 Kraków, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2022;35(5):509-26
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ABSTRACT
The article has several objectives. First, it aims to discuss, based on the international literature analysis, theoretical models and factors influencing
early retirement decisions, and limiting work ability and employability of older people. Second, the concept of (and the factors related to) work ability
as well as the role of age management in improving employability and sustaining work activity of older adults are analyzed against the backdrop
of the Polish context. Cultural (ageism) and organizational (e.g., a lack of appropriate age management in companies) factors influencing work activity
in the oldest age groups are taken into account. Third, the authors present some solutions and recommendations coming from the international
Participation To Healthy Workplaces And inclusive Strategies in the Work Sector (PATHWAYS) project. Finally, theoretical models, concepts and
solutions are integrated into a model elucidating the conditions (cultural, social, organizational, individual) influencing work ability of older adults.
The model aims to take into account theories and factors identified in the literature review and grouped into several categories. The analysis highlights
the role of appropriate age management in companies in the process of sustaining work ability of older employees. Int J Occup Med Environ
Health. 2022;35(5):509–26