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1 – 10 of 350Sheau-Ting Low, Li-Ting Neo, Weng-Wai Choong, Razlin Mansor, Siaw-Chui Wee and Jing-Ying Woon
The world population over the age of 60 is expected to increase from 900 million in 2015 to two billion by 2050. Retirement homes have emerged as a prominent housing alternative…
Abstract
Purpose
The world population over the age of 60 is expected to increase from 900 million in 2015 to two billion by 2050. Retirement homes have emerged as a prominent housing alternative and become a trend for the older adults; however, older population in Malaysia could have a negative view of retirement homes. Different generations could have different perceptions of the value of retirement homes. This study aims to explore the value of retirement homes across diverse age cohorts in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach is adopted for this study. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the interview transcripts obtained from semi-structured interviews.
Findings
The results indicated that baby boomers tend to have more negative values towards retirement homes, whereas Generations X and Y demonstrated more favourable and positive values for retirement homes.
Originality/value
This study serves as a useful reference for housing developers, policymakers and the management of retirement homes to better understand how different age cohorts value retirement homes, thereby encouraging relevant housing strategies to enhance the quality and support systems of retirement homes in society.
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Cléverson Vasconcelos da Nóbrega and Diogo Henrique Helal
The article aims at analyzing the social representations of retirement in two different groups of professors – pre-retired and retired – from a public higher education…
Abstract
Purpose
The article aims at analyzing the social representations of retirement in two different groups of professors – pre-retired and retired – from a public higher education institution. The goal is to explore the experiences, reflections, beliefs, and attitudes originated from the transition to retirement.
Design/methodology/approach
The research, of exploratory and descriptive nature, was guided by the Social Representation Theory (SRT) and took a qualitative approach. 16 professors were interviewed, 8 in each group (pre-retired and retired professors), using semi-structured interviews that followed a script designed to discover the main aspects of the transition to retirement.
Findings
Three figurative cores were raised – the financial aspect, the centrality of work, and the will to continue contributing, and the unpreparedness for retirement – and testimonies have shown heterogeneous representations. The study observed that although relevant, the bonus for continued services is not the main determinant for professors to continue working in the university.
Originality/value
The results of this study indicate the need to treat retirement as a complex and multidimensional process, offering a fresh perspective on the social representations of retirement in the academic context. The use of the Social Representation Theory to explore these perspectives adds to the originality of the approach, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the retirement process in this specific professional group.
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Aart-Jan Riekhoff, Noora Järnefelt, Mikko Laaksonen and Jyri Liukko
This article investigates whether employers are more likely to employ older workers when faced with a shortage of qualified labour. Furthermore, it analyses whether in such cases…
Abstract
Purpose
This article investigates whether employers are more likely to employ older workers when faced with a shortage of qualified labour. Furthermore, it analyses whether in such cases age stereotypes moderate employers' preferences towards four employment options: (1) supporting workers to continue until the retirement age, (2) encouraging workers to continue beyond the retirement age, (3) recruiting someone older than 55 and (4) (re)hiring someone who has retired.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were drawn from a survey conducted among Finnish employers in 2021 (response rate = 66%, N = 1,442). Applying factor analysis to questions about older workers' qualities compared to those of average workers, a distinction was made between perceptions of experience-related and adaptability-related qualities. Generalised ordered logistic regression models were estimated to analyse the relations of preferences for each employment option with experiencing recruitment problems, workplace age stereotypes and interactions between these.
Findings
Experiencing recruitment problems was positively related to preferences for hiring a retired person. Employers with difficulties in recruitment were more likely to support work until the retirement age and recruit someone over 55, but only if they had above-average positive perceptions of older workers' experience-related qualities. Employers confronted with recruitment difficulties were more likely to encourage workers to continue beyond the retirement age if they had more positive perceptions of older workers' adaptability-related qualities.
Originality/value
This study shows that, even when confronted with labour shortages and population ageing, workplace age stereotypes still pose a potential obstacle for employers to make the best use of an older workforce.
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Citizens can develop new products in the household sector (HHS), and although HHS innovations are generally valuable to others, they are seldom diffused by the innovator. In order…
Abstract
Purpose
Citizens can develop new products in the household sector (HHS), and although HHS innovations are generally valuable to others, they are seldom diffused by the innovator. In order to provide insight for the understanding of this diffusion failure, this article proposes to introduce the vocational and retirement perspective to consider how the innovator's chronological aging affects her diffusion channel selection. Commercial diffusion of HHS innovations allows older adults to continue a work-related identity. And, a satisfying work experience could enhance older adults' reliance on work for self-worth. Therefore, the relationship between the older HHS innovators and their commercial diffusion as well as the moderating effect of their person–organization (P–O) fit on this relationship was examined.
Design/methodology/approach
This study referred to the standard procedure and utilized a Japanese consumer panel to identify HHS innovators. The criterion of old age was set to 60+ years old. The hypotheses were tested with ordinary least squares regression analysis. The robustness of our findings was checked by analyzing two restricted samples.
Findings
In Japan, older adults are more likely to diffuse their HHS innovators commercially than to peers. This relationship is amplified when the older adults also perceived a P-O fit in their employer firm.
Originality/value
This paper adds to the evidence that older adults can be an important source of innovation. It – for the first time – points out that the vocational and retirement perspective can help researchers consider why a particular diffusion channel is selected and thereby provide insight for understanding when the diffusion failure of HHS innovation is alleviated. The moderating effect of the P–O fit originally suggests the “interdependent life spheres”, that is, older adults' work experience may affect their post-retirement life and their activity in the household sector.
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Muhammad Wahab, Muhammad Aamir Khan, Muhammad Siddique and Fakhrul Hasan
This research designed, optimized and tested a context-specific scale to evaluate public sector employees' pension choices.
Abstract
Purpose
This research designed, optimized and tested a context-specific scale to evaluate public sector employees' pension choices.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors developed the scale using a comprehensive process of interviews and focus groups with experts across academia and finance. The authors used the refined scale to collect data from 564 faculty members in public sector universities following a multistage systematic cluster sampling technique. The findings revealed diversity in choice across different socio-economic and demographic variables.
Findings
The results revealed that items related to the defined benefit pension system explain most of the data variance and are preferred widely. This is followed by a preference for monetizing pension benefits and a defined contribution system. These findings indicated the need for flexible pension plans.
Practical implications
Therefore, the progressive movement towards monetization and the shift from defined benefit to a defined contribution pension system due to economic pressures must be accurately calculated and introduced where it is suitable.
Originality/value
Although the theory of introducing a defined contribution pension system and monetization system is appealing, its practical implementation may not be encouraging for all employees.
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Anmari Viljamaa, Sanna Joensuu-Salo and Elina Varamäki
The purpose is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurs’ exit strategies and modes of entry. The topic of exit strategies in the context of approaching retirement…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurs’ exit strategies and modes of entry. The topic of exit strategies in the context of approaching retirement warrants further attention.
Design/methodology/approach
We apply logistic regression to analyse 1,192 responses to an online survey of firms with entrepreneurs aged over 55.
Findings
Family successors are more likely to choose family succession and buyers to choose to sell, but the association between founding and exit mode cannot be confirmed. Firm size is also significant. Our findings suggest that entry and exit via a business transfer are linked. Entrepreneurs might be influenced by their form of entry when choosing their exit strategy.
Research limitations/implications
The data were collected from a single European country, limiting generalisation. Future research should incorporate intervening variables not controlled for here, such as, entrepreneurial experience. Future studies should also seek to test the existence of imprinting directly, as it is implied rather than verified here.
Practical implications
If the entry mode has a lasting effect on the entrepreneur as our results suggest, thus influencing the exit strategy selected, entrepreneurs could benefit from greater awareness of the imprinting mechanism. Increasing awareness of imprinted biases could unlock the benefits of exit strategies previously overlooked.
Originality/value
The study is the first to consider sale, family succession and liquidation as exit strategies in relation to the original entry mode of ageing owners. It contributes to the understanding of exit strategies of ageing entrepreneurs and proposes using entrepreneurial learning and imprinting as lenses to clarify the phenomenon.
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Farhana Sajjad Kiani and Saima Ehsan
This study aimed to identify which positive psychological factors are associated with the mental health of older adult retirees. Positive psychology is an emerging discipline of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to identify which positive psychological factors are associated with the mental health of older adult retirees. Positive psychology is an emerging discipline of psychology. The study and identification of such factors could lead to increased mental health and lower stress levels of individuals (Ho et al., 2014; Abbas et al., 2019).
Design/methodology/approach
The authors searched the following electronic databases: Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus. Thematic synthesis was used for analysis. Database search resulted in the recruitment of 948 articles; after the screening process, only 7 articles were left for further analysis.
Findings
Thematic synthesis of resulting articles from systematic literature review revealed that “staying active after retirement, participation in social activities, volunteering, and presence of loved ones” are positive psychological factors that are positively associated with the mental health of older adult retirees. A few positive psychological factors and their association with the mental health of older adult retirees have been examined. Other positive psychological factors and their association with the mental health of older adult retirees are yet to be investigated in future research.
Research limitations/implications
First, many studies have investigated meaning and purpose in life, relationships or having intimacy, well-being, transcendence, flow or engagement, spirituality and flourishing (pleasant life, engaged life and meaningful life, relationship and achievement) (LeBon, 2014). However, many other positive psychological constructs need to be studied yet in this age group examples include wisdom, courage, mindfulness, forgiveness, resilience, emotional intelligence, hope and humor. Second, there is need of theory in the field of successful aging with respect to the positive psychology. Third, which factors negatively contributed toward the mental health of older adult could be another area of future systematic literature review. Finally, role of culture needs to be examined with reference to which positive psychological factor could be important in a specific given cultural context.
Practical implications
The findings of the current research will be useful for clinical psychologist, counselors and gerontologists to understand which factors positively contributed toward the mental health of older adult retirees, which in turn will help to improve mental health of older adult retirees. Findings of the present study set grounds for future research in the field of gerontology in specific cultural context. The findings of this study have added to scientific body of existing literature. Better understanding of retirement can lead to increase in use of positive intervention-based programs for retirees that can facilitate them with life after retirement.
Social implications
Policymaker working on the well-being of older adult retirees can take help from this study’s evidence-based findings for developing any policy.
Originality/value
Systematic literature review consolidated the existing literature review on the present topic of research. This systematic literature review highlighted factors that are associated with the enhanced mental health of older adults’ retirees. Furthermore, findings revealed the important gap in literature that is many positive psychological constructs are need to be studied yet in this age group examples includes wisdom, courage, mindfulness, forgiveness, resilience, emotional intelligence, hope and humor. Hence, this study has implications for future research.
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Bomikazi Zeka and Abdul Latif Alhassan
While the extant literature has explored issues related to the access, usage and availability of financial services, the ability of households to withstand financial adversities…
Abstract
Purpose
While the extant literature has explored issues related to the access, usage and availability of financial services, the ability of households to withstand financial adversities, particularly those living under economically vulnerable conditions, requires further attention. The paper presents a gendered analysis of financial resilience behaviour in South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a nationally representative sample of 4,880 households, this paper constructs a financial resilience behaviour index (FRBI) covering savings, credit, insurance, and retirement planning behaviours. The gendered effect of demographic characteristics on financial resilience is examined using the ordinary least square and seemingly unrelated regression techniques.
Findings
The results show that low levels of financial resilience were present across the sample with insurance observed to be the greatest driver of financial resilience, followed by retirement planning, savings and credit respectively. Furthermore, the analysis highlights that a gender gap in financial resilience exists as men are characterized with higher financial resilience behaviour compared to women. The results also suggest that employed women and women with higher levels of education are associated with greater financial resilience.
Practical implications
Based on these results, improving access to higher education and employment opportunities for women will enhance their financial resilience and contribute towards addressing SDG (5) on gender equality.
Originality/value
As far as the authors are aware, this paper presents the first empirical analysis of the gender gaps in socio-demographic characteristics that explain financial resilience in South Africa.
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Mohammad Rezaur Razzak and Said Al Riyami
Drawing on the socioemotional selectivity theory and the volunteerism literature, this study aims to examine the influence of empathy, altruism and opportunity recognition, on…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the socioemotional selectivity theory and the volunteerism literature, this study aims to examine the influence of empathy, altruism and opportunity recognition, on social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) of people who have retired from a full-time career. Furthermore, the study examines whether the above-mentioned relationships are mediated by moral obligation.
Design/methodology/approach
A set of hypotheses is tested by applying partial least squares structural equation modelling on a survey sample of 227 retirees in Oman, who had participated in an entrepreneurial leadership training after retirement. Using SmartPLS software, the path model is tested through bootstrapping.
Findings
The findings suggest that altruism and opportunity recognition do not have a direct relationship with SEI, however, they are significant only when mediated through moral obligation. Nevertheless, empathy has a significant direct association with SEI, and an indirect relationship through moral obligation.
Practical implications
The findings of this study demonstrate that to develop intentions to indulge in social entrepreneurship, among retirees who are approaching their senior years, the focus should be on driving their sense of moral obligation to society. Hence, policymakers and authorities connected to social wellbeing goals can fine-tune their initiatives, such as training, by emphasizing on moral obligation to address social issues through social entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
The novelty of this study is twofold. Firstly, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it seems to be among the first empirical study that is at the crossroads of the senior entrepreneurship and the social entrepreneurship literature. Secondly, this study fills a gap in the extant literature by deploying the socioemotional selectivity theory to examine the antecedents of SEI of people who have retired from full-time employment in their early to late senior years.
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Jarrod Haar, Candice Harris and Barbara Myers
The purpose of this paper is to extend the study of work-life balance (WLB) by exploring the influence of WLB amongst older workers. Theoretically, this study suggests that the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to extend the study of work-life balance (WLB) by exploring the influence of WLB amongst older workers. Theoretically, this study suggests that the psychological benefits of age on relationships between WLB and well-being might be stronger for those “younger” older workers than those working toward or beyond retirement age. This study tests a moderated mediation model whereby the effects of WLB on anxiety and depression (through job stress) are moderated by age.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data from 512 New Zealand employees in three older age cohorts (55–59 years, 60–64 and 65+ years).
Findings
This study finds that WLB reduces job stress and leads to lower anxiety and depression. Job stress positively influences anxiety and depression and partially mediates the influence of WLB. Significant interaction effects are found by age, with the lower age cohort (55–59 years) reporting the strongest benefits from WLB and this effect reduces as employees get older but remains significant.
Social implications
Even when focusing on older workers, the findings show younger older workers elicit stronger benefits from WLB toward well-being, although all age groups find WLB beneficial.
Originality/value
This paper offers novel insights into the question of whether the importance of WLB for well-being differs among older workers.
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