Attitude toward paid work and social participation among seniors

A study in a suburban city of the Tokyo metropolitan area

Abstract

  This study examined how job status and attitude toward work in old age affect participation in non-paid social activities among middle-aged and older adults. Data were obtained from a social survey administered to residents aged 55 or older in Kashiwa city, Chiba (n = 1133). Results showed that more than half of the respondents aged 55 to 64 were in the workforce, and about 60% of the respondents expressed their desire to continue to work as long as possible, but with fewer burdens and lower wages. Logistic regression analysis found that, among male respondents, those who were not employed full-time and those who prefer to retire from paid work at a certain age were more likely to engage in non-paid social activities such as hobby clubs, sports clubs, and neighborhood associations. Among female respondents, working full-time or part-time was associated with less participation in non-paid social activities, which suggests that continuing full-time work and a desire to remain working full-time may discourage participation in non-paid social activities in older age. Further studies should focus on how society can utilize older adults' high motivation to work, while ensuring their well-being.