Working and employability after 75 in Australia

This research investigates individuals maintaining employability after 75. Thirty-one employed individuals aged over 75 were recruited through a mixture of advertising and snowball sampling. They were interviewed about the type of work they undertook, hours worked each week, how they gained their employment, what they perceived as the factors that facilitated their working, and what outcomes they sought. Individual factors facilitating their continued employment were above average educational attainment, good health, an established reputation and a proactive approach. Contextual factors included having skill portfolios that were in demand, availability for casual or part-time work and active networks. The majority worked an equivalent of 2-3 days each week. Valued outcomes reported were psychological factors, followed by social factors, and lastly financial factors. Despite ageing being associated with perceptions of deterioration, both physically and mentally, these data suggest remaining employed is both sought and enjoyed by some.