Women and employment in later life: the impact of long-term health conditions on labour market participation

Abstract

Purpose

There is increasing interest in long-term conditions experienced singly and in combination. This paper aims to address this by considering the impact of long-term conditions on female labour market participation in later life.

Design/methodology/approach

This literature review considers a variety of evidence and policy related to long-term conditions as experienced by women.

Findings

The review suggests the importance of gender when considering long-term conditions and when considering employment because this is often gendered. There are several long-term conditions affecting women in particular that need to be considered by employers and policy makers.

Research limitations/implications

This review scopes the literature offering some illustrative examples of long-term conditions.

Practical implications

The review encourages practitioners and policy makers to include long-term conditions, as people age in thinking about ways to prevent, alleviate and respond to long-term conditions and to consider them in age-related initiatives in employment.

Originality/value

The review addresses long-term conditions among women in later life, suggesting that multiple policy and practice responses may need to be considered together in the development of any strategies and guidance.

Citation

Manthorpe, J. (2021), "Women and employment in later life: the impact of long-term health conditions on labour market participation", Working with Older People, Vol. 25 No. 4, pp. 304-315. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-02-2021-0005