an article by Tine Buffel and Chris Phillipson (University of Manchester, UK) published in Sociology Volume 53 Issue 6 (December 2019)
Abstract
Debates about gentrification continue to occupy a significant part of research investigating social change within urban communities.
While most gentrification studies have focused on ‘incoming’ groups or those forced to leave, there is limited knowledge about those remaining in neighbourhoods undergoing community change.
This study explores the experiences of older residents who have lived much of their adult lives in the same locality but whose views have been largely ignored in gentrification research.
The article presents findings from seven focus groups (N = 58 participants) and 30 in-depth interviews with people aged 60 and over living in Chorlton, a gentrifying neighbourhood in Manchester, UK. These highlight both daily challenges and exclusionary pressures, as well as how people are active in creating a sense of belonging in a neighbourhood undergoing social change.
The article concludes by discussing the need for interventions which promote the ‘age-friendliness’ of communities and ensure that older people have a space to be seen and heard in their neighbourhood.
Full text (PDF 18pp)
Showing posts with label ageing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ageing. Show all posts
Tuesday, 17 December 2019
Thursday, 18 April 2019
The AGE model: Addressing ageism in the workplace through corporate social responsibility
an article by Virginia Cortijo, Lee Phillip McGinnis and Elif Şişli‐Ciamarra (Stonehill College, Easton, Massachusetts, USA) published in Journal of Labor & Society Volume 22 Issue 1 (March 2019)
Abstract
Life expectancy around the globe has been steadily increasing and the challenges that stem from aging populations are too complex for the governments alone to shoulder. Companies can play a significant role in combating the economic and social costs of an aging society through their Corporate Social Responsibility practices.
In this article, we propose the Acknowledge‐Grow‐Embrace (AGE) framework as a model that can be used by companies to take advantage of the diversity of thought, experiences, and skills of an age‐diverse workforce, creating a sustainable and socially responsible workplace.
In this model, Acknowledging that an organization may be practicing or allowing ageism activities and structures to persist in the firm is the first step that should be taken. Next, corporations should Grow their understanding of the different forms and levels of ageism present in their companies and begin to install systems that prevent age bias to finally Embrace employees of all ages and encourage them to share their knowledge and leverage their potential.
Full text (PDF 17pp)
Abstract
Life expectancy around the globe has been steadily increasing and the challenges that stem from aging populations are too complex for the governments alone to shoulder. Companies can play a significant role in combating the economic and social costs of an aging society through their Corporate Social Responsibility practices.
In this article, we propose the Acknowledge‐Grow‐Embrace (AGE) framework as a model that can be used by companies to take advantage of the diversity of thought, experiences, and skills of an age‐diverse workforce, creating a sustainable and socially responsible workplace.
In this model, Acknowledging that an organization may be practicing or allowing ageism activities and structures to persist in the firm is the first step that should be taken. Next, corporations should Grow their understanding of the different forms and levels of ageism present in their companies and begin to install systems that prevent age bias to finally Embrace employees of all ages and encourage them to share their knowledge and leverage their potential.
Full text (PDF 17pp)
Monday, 14 January 2019
Redefining agency in late life: the concept of ‘disponibility’
an article by Diego Romaioli and Alberta Contarello (University of Padua, Italy) published in Ageing & Society Volume 39 Issue 1 (January 2019)
Abstract
In light of an increased ageing population, policy makers are faced with the urgent problem of planning programmes that reflect active ageing or, in other words, the promotion of activities that help individuals to remain active in a societal context.
The construct of agency, defined as the capacity to make decisions and to address situations depending on the individual's future plans, reflects a specific normative criterion: individuals are expected to live in an active and productive way, while those who are unable to live up to this expectation are considered dependent, passive, unproductive, weak.
From a social constructionist perspective, the current study proposes a critical reflection on the qualities usually attributed to the construct of agency that are liable to appear reductive and oppressive when applied to an elderly population. Once the basic premises underlying agency, as it is commonly defined in the Western tradition, have been deconstructed, a different conceptualisation, based on interviews with older individuals, will be presented.
The current work aims to produce a different conceptual framework that will permit examination of experiences and organisational modalities of agency typifying later life.
The comments made by the interviewees in many cases resonate with ideas contained in Taoist philosophy and, more specifically, with the concept of disponibilité (or disponibility) outlined by the French sinologist François Jullien, which we discuss here.
Abstract
In light of an increased ageing population, policy makers are faced with the urgent problem of planning programmes that reflect active ageing or, in other words, the promotion of activities that help individuals to remain active in a societal context.
The construct of agency, defined as the capacity to make decisions and to address situations depending on the individual's future plans, reflects a specific normative criterion: individuals are expected to live in an active and productive way, while those who are unable to live up to this expectation are considered dependent, passive, unproductive, weak.
From a social constructionist perspective, the current study proposes a critical reflection on the qualities usually attributed to the construct of agency that are liable to appear reductive and oppressive when applied to an elderly population. Once the basic premises underlying agency, as it is commonly defined in the Western tradition, have been deconstructed, a different conceptualisation, based on interviews with older individuals, will be presented.
The current work aims to produce a different conceptual framework that will permit examination of experiences and organisational modalities of agency typifying later life.
The comments made by the interviewees in many cases resonate with ideas contained in Taoist philosophy and, more specifically, with the concept of disponibilité (or disponibility) outlined by the French sinologist François Jullien, which we discuss here.
Friday, 4 January 2019
Testing the resilience of Europe's inclusive growth model
a column by Jacques Bughin and Christopher Pissarides for VOX: CEPR’s Policy Portal
Europe’s social contracts to protect their citizens from socioeconomic risks are based on an inclusive growth model characterised by a more egalitarian view of revenue generation and distribution. But this model is under strain, with various global trends placing upward pressure on inequality that could intensify.
This column suggests that keeping the essence of Europe’s current inclusive growth model does not preclude it from adapting its current social contracts to protect its citizens, whatever the disruptions that lie ahead.
Continue reading
Europe’s social contracts to protect their citizens from socioeconomic risks are based on an inclusive growth model characterised by a more egalitarian view of revenue generation and distribution. But this model is under strain, with various global trends placing upward pressure on inequality that could intensify.
This column suggests that keeping the essence of Europe’s current inclusive growth model does not preclude it from adapting its current social contracts to protect its citizens, whatever the disruptions that lie ahead.
Continue reading
Friday, 28 December 2018
From 1990 to 2016, dementia has more than doubled
a post by Robby Berman for the Big Think blog
A multi-university study lead by the University of Melbourne and the University of Washington has found that the number of people living with dementia worldwide shot up from 20.2 million in 1990 to 43.8 million in 2016. The researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016, publishing their results in The Lancet Neurology.
Continue reading
Hazel’s comment:
I would very much like to see the correlation between the increase in dementia and the increase in the number of people aged over 50 in the world population.
I do not have access to the research to discover whether this comparison was done!
- The incidence of dementia is rising at an alarming rat
- While it's primarily diagnosed over age 50, it starts decades earlier
- Modifying behavior to avoid a handful of known risk factors can help reduce the chance of getting dementia
A multi-university study lead by the University of Melbourne and the University of Washington has found that the number of people living with dementia worldwide shot up from 20.2 million in 1990 to 43.8 million in 2016. The researchers analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016, publishing their results in The Lancet Neurology.
Continue reading
Hazel’s comment:
I would very much like to see the correlation between the increase in dementia and the increase in the number of people aged over 50 in the world population.
I do not have access to the research to discover whether this comparison was done!
Friday, 7 December 2018
Japan’s age wave: Challenges and solutions
a column by David Bloom, Paige Kirby, JP Sevilla and Andrew Stawasz for VOX: CEPR’s Policy Portal
Worldwide ageing trends are steering global demographics into uncharted territory, transforming populations and societies around the globe. Japan is leading the way in this growth wave as the world’s oldest population and is now grappling with the substantial socioeconomic burdens an ageing population places on society.
This column discusses the coming challenges associated with population ageing alongside plausible solutions. While there is no magic bullet for these challenges, there is scope to devise a multi-pronged solutions portfolio of complementary initiatives that includes a number of measures to promote and protect elderly health.
Continue reading
Worldwide ageing trends are steering global demographics into uncharted territory, transforming populations and societies around the globe. Japan is leading the way in this growth wave as the world’s oldest population and is now grappling with the substantial socioeconomic burdens an ageing population places on society.
This column discusses the coming challenges associated with population ageing alongside plausible solutions. While there is no magic bullet for these challenges, there is scope to devise a multi-pronged solutions portfolio of complementary initiatives that includes a number of measures to promote and protect elderly health.
Continue reading
Friday, 16 November 2018
The social–political challenges behind the wish to die in older people who consider their lives to be completed and no longer worth living
an article by Els van Wijngaarden, Anne Goossensen and Carlo Leget (University of Humanistic Studies, The Netherlands) published in Journal of European Social Policy Volume 28 Issue 4 (October 2018)
Abstract
In the Netherlands, physician-assisted dying has been legalized since 2002.
Currently, an increasing number of Dutch citizens are in favour of a more relaxed interpretation of the law. Based on an ethos of self-determination and autonomy, there is a strong political lobby for the legal right to assisted dying when life is considered to be completed and no longer worth living.
Building on previous empirical research, this article provides a critical ethical reflection upon this social issue.
In the first part, we discuss the following question: what is the lived experience of older people who consider their lives to be completed and no longer worth living? We describe the reported loss of a sense of autonomy, dignity and independence in the lives of these older people.
In the second part, from an ethics of care stance, we analyse the emerging social and political challenges behind the wish to die. Empirically grounded, the authors argue that the debate on ‘completed life in old age’ should primarily focus not on the question of whether or not to legitimize a self-directed death but on how to build an inclusive society where people may feel less unneeded, useless and marginalized.
Full text (PDF 11pp)
Abstract
In the Netherlands, physician-assisted dying has been legalized since 2002.
Currently, an increasing number of Dutch citizens are in favour of a more relaxed interpretation of the law. Based on an ethos of self-determination and autonomy, there is a strong political lobby for the legal right to assisted dying when life is considered to be completed and no longer worth living.
Building on previous empirical research, this article provides a critical ethical reflection upon this social issue.
In the first part, we discuss the following question: what is the lived experience of older people who consider their lives to be completed and no longer worth living? We describe the reported loss of a sense of autonomy, dignity and independence in the lives of these older people.
In the second part, from an ethics of care stance, we analyse the emerging social and political challenges behind the wish to die. Empirically grounded, the authors argue that the debate on ‘completed life in old age’ should primarily focus not on the question of whether or not to legitimize a self-directed death but on how to build an inclusive society where people may feel less unneeded, useless and marginalized.
Full text (PDF 11pp)
Tuesday, 14 August 2018
Can smart tech create smart homes for older people?
an article by Tristan Parker for E-Access Bulletin
The phrase ‘smart homes’ may bring to mind images from science fiction, and thoughts of robots vacuuming and cooking for their human masters, but the reality is far simpler and within reach – and it could save the NHS and social care services millions of pounds per year.
Smart home technology is, in fact, already being used (the Amazon Echo, for example) and will only keep on growing in popularity. But its use and the types of technologies need to be assessed and accelerated in order to address a crucial and often-overlooked issue: care for the elderly.
A report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ‘Healthy Homes: Accommodating an Ageing Population’ (PDF 27pp), explores how home technology can benefit older people and allow them to stay healthy and independent, remaining in their homes for longer and therefore taking pressure off care services.
Continue reading
The phrase ‘smart homes’ may bring to mind images from science fiction, and thoughts of robots vacuuming and cooking for their human masters, but the reality is far simpler and within reach – and it could save the NHS and social care services millions of pounds per year.
Smart home technology is, in fact, already being used (the Amazon Echo, for example) and will only keep on growing in popularity. But its use and the types of technologies need to be assessed and accelerated in order to address a crucial and often-overlooked issue: care for the elderly.
A report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ‘Healthy Homes: Accommodating an Ageing Population’ (PDF 27pp), explores how home technology can benefit older people and allow them to stay healthy and independent, remaining in their homes for longer and therefore taking pressure off care services.
Continue reading
Sunday, 17 June 2018
Acceptability of a custom-designed game, CityQuest, aimed at improving balance confidence and spatial cognition in fall-prone and healthy older adults
an article by Niamh A. Merriman, Eugenie Roudaia and Fiona N. Newell (Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland) and Matteo Romagnoli and Ivan Orvieto (Testaluna, Milan, Italy) Behaviour & Information Technology Volume 37 Issue 6 (2018)
Abstract
Virtual reality or video games show great potential as low-cost and effective interventions for improving balance and cognitive function in older adults.
This research describes the design and acceptability of a serious game (CityQuest) aimed at improving balance confidence, spatial navigation, and perceptual function in older adults with the use of a virtual environment and a balance board.
Community-dwelling healthy (N = 28) and fall-prone (N = 28) older adults were pseudo-randomly assigned to train with CityQuest or one of two control games developed to evaluate the specific effects of the CityQuest game.
Following completion of 10 training sessions, participants completed questionnaires measuring their acceptability of the game as a falls-related intervention, game experience, and subjective cognitive or balance confidence changes associated with the game.
The results revealed high acceptance scores of the game and positive game experiences for all three game conditions. Older adults prone to falls reported a greater reduction in fear of falling and greater improvement in vigilance following training, compared to healthy older adults.
These findings suggest that a serious game based on VR technology that trains both motor and cognitive processes is perceived to be beneficial and acceptable to healthy and fall-prone older adults.
Abstract
Virtual reality or video games show great potential as low-cost and effective interventions for improving balance and cognitive function in older adults.
This research describes the design and acceptability of a serious game (CityQuest) aimed at improving balance confidence, spatial navigation, and perceptual function in older adults with the use of a virtual environment and a balance board.
Community-dwelling healthy (N = 28) and fall-prone (N = 28) older adults were pseudo-randomly assigned to train with CityQuest or one of two control games developed to evaluate the specific effects of the CityQuest game.
Following completion of 10 training sessions, participants completed questionnaires measuring their acceptability of the game as a falls-related intervention, game experience, and subjective cognitive or balance confidence changes associated with the game.
The results revealed high acceptance scores of the game and positive game experiences for all three game conditions. Older adults prone to falls reported a greater reduction in fear of falling and greater improvement in vigilance following training, compared to healthy older adults.
These findings suggest that a serious game based on VR technology that trains both motor and cognitive processes is perceived to be beneficial and acceptable to healthy and fall-prone older adults.
Wednesday, 31 January 2018
The effect of age on willingness to take risks
a column by Thomas Dohmen, Armin Falk, Bart Golsteyn, David Huffman and Uwe Sunde for VOX: CVEPR&rsquo's Policy Portal
Many developed countries have ageing populations, with potentially major economic, political, and social consequences in the near future. Using Dutch and German panel data to control for cohort and period effects, this column investigates the relationship between age and risk attitudes. The results suggest that willingness to take risks declines with age, implying that societies may become more risk-averse as their population ages.
Continue reading
Many developed countries have ageing populations, with potentially major economic, political, and social consequences in the near future. Using Dutch and German panel data to control for cohort and period effects, this column investigates the relationship between age and risk attitudes. The results suggest that willingness to take risks declines with age, implying that societies may become more risk-averse as their population ages.
Continue reading
Tuesday, 7 November 2017
How will future retirees fare?
The OECD report Preventing Ageing Unequally examines how the two global megatrends of population ageing and rising inequalities have been developing and interacting, both within and across generations. Taking a life-course perspective the report shows how inequalities in education, health, employment and income interact, resulting in large lifetime differences across different groups.
Drawing on good practices in OECD countries, it suggests a policy agenda to prevent inequality before it cumulates; mitigate entrenched inequalities; and cope with inequality at older ages. The report points to strong policy complementarities and synergies and thus a whole-of-government approach is likely to be much more effective than a series of separate inequality reducing policies. In particular, to ensure a better retirement for all, policies have to be coordinated across family, education, employment, social ministries and agencies.
The overview of the report is here (PDF 2pp)
Further information is available here.
Printed report £40
Drawing on good practices in OECD countries, it suggests a policy agenda to prevent inequality before it cumulates; mitigate entrenched inequalities; and cope with inequality at older ages. The report points to strong policy complementarities and synergies and thus a whole-of-government approach is likely to be much more effective than a series of separate inequality reducing policies. In particular, to ensure a better retirement for all, policies have to be coordinated across family, education, employment, social ministries and agencies.
The overview of the report is here (PDF 2pp)
Further information is available here.
Printed report £40
Monday, 2 October 2017
How to conquer our obsession with eternal life
an article by Matt Haig for the Guardian 30 July 2017
Our anti-ageing quest only increases anxiety, says Matt Haig. Instead, we need to understand the tricks of time
Mirror, mirror: Helmut Berger selling his soul in Dorian Gray (1970). Photograph: Sargon/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock
As a culture, we are obsessed with ageing. We have always been obsessed but now, paradoxically, in an era where we live longer than ever, we fear it more than ever before too. There is, of course, a whole industry devoted to capitalising on our fears of the natural ageing process and it’s a lucrative one. In fact, the anti-ageing industry, which is the largest part of the beauty industry, is now worth more than $200 billion a year.
Our perfectly understandable worries about time and mortality are being capitalised on, and exploited. Every advert that encourages us to look young is confirming the same thing: we need to fear growing old. And yet no anti-wrinkle eye cream in the world is going to stop us from getting old. The anti-ageing industry is a marketer’s dream because it is an industry offering continual solutions for something that isn’t ever really solved. Ageing.
Even if or when we work out how to stop the physical process of ageing – and organisations such as the SENS Research Foundation and various Silicon Valley biotech firms are trying to do just that – it won’t curb our anxieties. It will accentuate them (not least, the ultimate fear of missing out for those who can’t afford it), and give us many new ones (a new population crisis being the first one).
Continue reading and pick up a couple of useful links
Our anti-ageing quest only increases anxiety, says Matt Haig. Instead, we need to understand the tricks of time
Mirror, mirror: Helmut Berger selling his soul in Dorian Gray (1970). Photograph: Sargon/Kobal/Rex/Shutterstock
As a culture, we are obsessed with ageing. We have always been obsessed but now, paradoxically, in an era where we live longer than ever, we fear it more than ever before too. There is, of course, a whole industry devoted to capitalising on our fears of the natural ageing process and it’s a lucrative one. In fact, the anti-ageing industry, which is the largest part of the beauty industry, is now worth more than $200 billion a year.
Our perfectly understandable worries about time and mortality are being capitalised on, and exploited. Every advert that encourages us to look young is confirming the same thing: we need to fear growing old. And yet no anti-wrinkle eye cream in the world is going to stop us from getting old. The anti-ageing industry is a marketer’s dream because it is an industry offering continual solutions for something that isn’t ever really solved. Ageing.
Even if or when we work out how to stop the physical process of ageing – and organisations such as the SENS Research Foundation and various Silicon Valley biotech firms are trying to do just that – it won’t curb our anxieties. It will accentuate them (not least, the ultimate fear of missing out for those who can’t afford it), and give us many new ones (a new population crisis being the first one).
Continue reading and pick up a couple of useful links
Tuesday, 25 July 2017
Towards age-friendly work in Europe: a life-course perspective on work and ageing from EU Agencies
The EU’s population and workforce are ageing. This has implications for employment, working conditions, living standards and welfare.
A new report shows how information from four agencies, including Cedefop, can support policy-making that is both complementary and greater than the sum of its parts.
The report draws on the agencies’ expertise in each of their areas and covers the different challenges associated with the ageing workforce and considers innovative solutions.
A new report shows how information from four agencies, including Cedefop, can support policy-making that is both complementary and greater than the sum of its parts.
The report draws on the agencies’ expertise in each of their areas and covers the different challenges associated with the ageing workforce and considers innovative solutions.
- Cedefop explores how vocational education and training can be used to support active ageing at work.
- EU-OSHA presents policy examples of integrated approaches to occupational safety and health for an ageing workforce.
- Eurofound examines working conditions for workers of all ages, related work sustainability outcomes and how the right policies can foster longer working lives.
- EIGE provides a gender perspective on the issue of the ageing workforce and discusses the different challenges that men and women face.
Wednesday, 8 March 2017
Predicting computer proficiency in older adults
an article by Shenghao Zhang, William C.M. Grenhart, Anne Collins McLaughlin and Jason C. Allaire (North Carolina State University, Raleigh, USA) published in Computers in Human Behavior Volume 67 (February 2017)
Highlights
Continued growth in older adults’ computer and internet use has led to the need to better assess their competencies and skills. The aim of the current study was to expand on this literature by examining sources of individual differences in older adults’ computer and internet proficiency.
Ninety-seven adults ranging in age from 60 to 95 completed the Computer Proficiency Questionnaire (CPQ) along with a battery that measured demographic information, socio-emotional variables such as sense of control and affect, and cognitive abilities such as reasoning and speed of processing.
Hierarchical regression analyses examined the predictors of CPQ Total score as well as the three CPQ subscales (e.g., Internet and Email Use, Communication and Calendaring, and Computer Basic). Age, education, affect, sense of control, inductive reasoning, perceptual speed, and psychomotor speed were associated with at least one domain of computer proficiency.
Positive affect uniquely predicted Communication and Calendaring. While sense of control, inductive reasoning, and psychomotor speed uniquely predicted Computer Basic. Discussion focuses on implications for CPQ use and computer proficiency training in older adults.
Highlights
- Both cognitive and socio-emotional aspects were related with computer proficiency.
- Positive affect uniquely predicted elders proficiency with using a computer for communication and calendaring.
- Sense of control, inductive reasoning, and psychomotor speed uniquely predicted basic computer ability.
Continued growth in older adults’ computer and internet use has led to the need to better assess their competencies and skills. The aim of the current study was to expand on this literature by examining sources of individual differences in older adults’ computer and internet proficiency.
Ninety-seven adults ranging in age from 60 to 95 completed the Computer Proficiency Questionnaire (CPQ) along with a battery that measured demographic information, socio-emotional variables such as sense of control and affect, and cognitive abilities such as reasoning and speed of processing.
Hierarchical regression analyses examined the predictors of CPQ Total score as well as the three CPQ subscales (e.g., Internet and Email Use, Communication and Calendaring, and Computer Basic). Age, education, affect, sense of control, inductive reasoning, perceptual speed, and psychomotor speed were associated with at least one domain of computer proficiency.
Positive affect uniquely predicted Communication and Calendaring. While sense of control, inductive reasoning, and psychomotor speed uniquely predicted Computer Basic. Discussion focuses on implications for CPQ use and computer proficiency training in older adults.
Tuesday, 7 July 2015
Work on and live with purpose
a post on The Work Foundation’s blog by Jilly Forster
The good news – we’re living longer. The challenge – we haven’t updated the way we think about our working careers and ‘retirement’. You simply can’t finance a 30 year retirement with a 40 year working life. But that’s what it seems we’re trying to do! It’s time to redesign the approach to retirement.
Continue reading
The good news – we’re living longer. The challenge – we haven’t updated the way we think about our working careers and ‘retirement’. You simply can’t finance a 30 year retirement with a 40 year working life. But that’s what it seems we’re trying to do! It’s time to redesign the approach to retirement.
Continue reading
Monday, 29 July 2013
Government is failing to acknowledge we're not ready for ageing
via JRF blog
If the Government wants people to get ready for ageing, it needs to lead the way, says Claire Turner.
At the end of last week, the Government issued its formal response to the Ready for Ageing report published in March by the House of Lord’s Select Committee on Public Services and Demographic Change. The Committee’s report concluded that the Government and our society are ‘woefully underprepared’ for our ageing population and called on the Government to set out a clear and overarching vision, in a White or Green Paper, with analysis of the issues and the best options for preparing for an ageing society.
Continue reading
If the Government wants people to get ready for ageing, it needs to lead the way, says Claire Turner.
At the end of last week, the Government issued its formal response to the Ready for Ageing report published in March by the House of Lord’s Select Committee on Public Services and Demographic Change. The Committee’s report concluded that the Government and our society are ‘woefully underprepared’ for our ageing population and called on the Government to set out a clear and overarching vision, in a White or Green Paper, with analysis of the issues and the best options for preparing for an ageing society.
Continue reading
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Vintage effects, aging and productivity
an article by Anna Lovász (Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary) and Mariann Rigó (Central European University, Budapest, Hungary) published in Labour Economics Volume 22 (June 2013)
Abstract
We provide new empirical evidence on the link between age and productivity using a transitional context. Building on a model of skill obsolescence, we assess the long-term adjustment process following a sudden change in skills needed in production that severely worsened older workers' labor market situation.
The model implies that
The results suggest that – in line with the model – the within firm productivity differential between older and younger workers following the transition was largest among the highly skilled. The fall in relative productivity followed the inflow of modern capital: the gap was largest in 1992–1995 in foreign-owned firms, while it appeared gradually and was smaller in domestic firms.
The magnitude and the negative effects of the adjustment period witnessed in Hungary highlight the importance of policies aimed at providing core competencies and adult training that enable older workers to adjust to sudden economic and technological changes.
Highlights
► We investigate the link between age and productivity in a transitional context.
► We study the impact of economic skill obsolescence in the long run.
► Highly educated older workers are more affected than unskilled ones.
► Their disadvantage disappears over time.
► The timing of the shock differs among firm ownership types.
Abstract
We provide new empirical evidence on the link between age and productivity using a transitional context. Building on a model of skill obsolescence, we assess the long-term adjustment process following a sudden change in skills needed in production that severely worsened older workers' labor market situation.
The model implies that
- the devaluation of skills should affect highly educated older workers more severely,
- the disadvantage should disappear over time as newer cohorts acquire more suitable human capital, and
- the timing should differ among firm ownership types, reflecting the inflow of modern technologies and practices.
The results suggest that – in line with the model – the within firm productivity differential between older and younger workers following the transition was largest among the highly skilled. The fall in relative productivity followed the inflow of modern capital: the gap was largest in 1992–1995 in foreign-owned firms, while it appeared gradually and was smaller in domestic firms.
The magnitude and the negative effects of the adjustment period witnessed in Hungary highlight the importance of policies aimed at providing core competencies and adult training that enable older workers to adjust to sudden economic and technological changes.
Highlights
► We investigate the link between age and productivity in a transitional context.
► We study the impact of economic skill obsolescence in the long run.
► Highly educated older workers are more affected than unskilled ones.
► Their disadvantage disappears over time.
► The timing of the shock differs among firm ownership types.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Older age and ill-health: links to work and worklessness
Fiona Carmichael (University of Birmingham, UK), Claire Hulme, (University of Leeds, UK) and Lorna Porcellato (Liverpool John Moores University, UK) published in International Journal of Workplace Health Management Volume 6 Issue 1 (2013)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the relationship between health and employment in older age.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative methods are used with some additional quantitative analysis to explore emergent themes. The qualitative analysis is based on interviews with 56 men and women between the ages of 50 and 68. This part of the study uses the respondents’ own words to explain how physical and mental ill-health has impacted on labour market participation and vice versa. The quantitative analysis uses data from the British Household Panel Study and multivariate techniques.
Findings
The research highlights the complexity, individuality and two-way causality underlying the relationships between health, work and worklessness in older age. The analysis also suggests that type of job and workplace conditions matter. The negative impact of the onset of ill-health on employment participation only appears to be accentuated by age for women.
Research limitations/implications
The two data sets are not directly comparable.
Social implications
Planned rises in the age at which state pensions are payable need to be accompanied by policies that improve the health of older people and changes in workplace practices that facilitate longer working lives.
Originality/value
The paper has a specific focus on the relationship between ill-health and employment in older age; uses qualitative methods to draw out the main issues and quantitative analysis to draw additional insights and make some comparisons with younger cohorts.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the relationship between health and employment in older age.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative methods are used with some additional quantitative analysis to explore emergent themes. The qualitative analysis is based on interviews with 56 men and women between the ages of 50 and 68. This part of the study uses the respondents’ own words to explain how physical and mental ill-health has impacted on labour market participation and vice versa. The quantitative analysis uses data from the British Household Panel Study and multivariate techniques.
Findings
The research highlights the complexity, individuality and two-way causality underlying the relationships between health, work and worklessness in older age. The analysis also suggests that type of job and workplace conditions matter. The negative impact of the onset of ill-health on employment participation only appears to be accentuated by age for women.
Research limitations/implications
The two data sets are not directly comparable.
Social implications
Planned rises in the age at which state pensions are payable need to be accompanied by policies that improve the health of older people and changes in workplace practices that facilitate longer working lives.
Originality/value
The paper has a specific focus on the relationship between ill-health and employment in older age; uses qualitative methods to draw out the main issues and quantitative analysis to draw additional insights and make some comparisons with younger cohorts.
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
The cost of our ageing society
The International Longevity Centre – UK News Release
Governments must do more to reduce the long term cost of ageing to the public purse argues a new policy report from the International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK).
The cost of our ageing society, sponsored by Milliman, highlights the projected financial impact of the cost of the world’s ageing population.
In the report, ILC-UK calls on governments across the world to consider linking eligibility ages of state pension to life expectancy and do more to ensure that the labour market is accessible to older people.
ILC-UK also argues that governments need to ensure pension systems are sustainable, allow for greater risk-sharing, and are less vulnerable to longevity risk. It also urges governments across the world to consider how to create better conditions for health care innovation and development.
ILC-UK believes that governments need to prepare for uncertainty noting that “Policy makers today are being asked to prepare for a future about which there is a serious degree of uncertainty and therefore sustainable policies will be the ones which can adapt to unexpected changes.” It argues therefore that addressing the needs of ageing populations will require ongoing investment in research and data collection.
ILC-UK argues, however, that policy interventions must recognise the contribution that older people make to society and the economy. ILC-UK also points out that individual countries will need to ensure there are safety nets for those who cannot work longer.
The cost of our ageing society draws heavily on the European Commission’s 2012 Ageing Report and the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Fiscal Sustainability Report, July 2012. ILC-UK summarises the latest projections on longevity and the cost of ageing across the world.
I’ve given up after 15 minutes of going round in circles.
Governments must do more to reduce the long term cost of ageing to the public purse argues a new policy report from the International Longevity Centre – UK (ILC-UK).
The cost of our ageing society, sponsored by Milliman, highlights the projected financial impact of the cost of the world’s ageing population.
In the report, ILC-UK calls on governments across the world to consider linking eligibility ages of state pension to life expectancy and do more to ensure that the labour market is accessible to older people.
ILC-UK also argues that governments need to ensure pension systems are sustainable, allow for greater risk-sharing, and are less vulnerable to longevity risk. It also urges governments across the world to consider how to create better conditions for health care innovation and development.
ILC-UK believes that governments need to prepare for uncertainty noting that “Policy makers today are being asked to prepare for a future about which there is a serious degree of uncertainty and therefore sustainable policies will be the ones which can adapt to unexpected changes.” It argues therefore that addressing the needs of ageing populations will require ongoing investment in research and data collection.
ILC-UK argues, however, that policy interventions must recognise the contribution that older people make to society and the economy. ILC-UK also points out that individual countries will need to ensure there are safety nets for those who cannot work longer.
The cost of our ageing society draws heavily on the European Commission’s 2012 Ageing Report and the Office for Budget Responsibility’s Fiscal Sustainability Report, July 2012. ILC-UK summarises the latest projections on longevity and the cost of ageing across the world.
- In the UK: age-related spending is projected to rise from an annual cost of 21.3% to 26.3% of GDP between 2016/17 and 2061/62, a rise of 5% of GDP (equivalent to a rise of around £79bn in today’s money).
- In the EU: age-related spending is projected to rise from an annual cost of 25% to 29.1% of GDP between 2010 and 2060, a rise of 4.1% of GDP. However, a scenario which assumes greater resources devoted to development within health care projects that age-related spending in the EU could rise to as much as 29.8% of GDP, annually, by 2060.
- spending on public pensions (state pension, benefits and public service pensions) is projected to rise from an annual cost of 8.9% to 10.8% of GDP between 2016/17 and 2061/62, a rise of 1.9% of GDP (equivalent to a rise of around £33bn in today’s money).
- spending on health care is projected to see the largest rise of all elements of age-related spending, rising from an annual cost of 6.8% to 9.1% of GDP between 2016/17 and 2061/62, a rise of 2.3% of GDP (equivalent to a rise of around £36bn in today’s money). The rise in projected spending on health care in the UK mirrors the increase in the ageing population.
- spending on long term care is projected to rise between 2016/17 and 2061/62 by 0.9%, from an annual cost of 1.1% to 2% of GDP, a rise of 0.9% of GDP (equivalent to a rise of around £14bn in today’s money).
I’ve given up after 15 minutes of going round in circles.
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
Reality check on the costs of ageing
via ToUChstone blog: A public policy blog from the TUC by Craig Berry
It would be unwise to deny that population ageing will produce significant fiscal pressures on governments around the world, not least the UK. The Office for Budget Responsibility projects age-related public spending to rise from 21.3 per cent to 26.3 per cent of GDP per year, between 2016/17 and 2061/62.
The problem is the kind of assumptions that these figures lead to, namely that the state pension age needs to rise, to automatically reduce the “old age dependency ratio”, i.e. the number of people of working age supporting people in retirement. Firstly, the bulk of age-related spending increases will be on healthcare; I don’t quite see how compelling people to work for longer before they become entitled to the state pension minimises health spending pressures . In fact, it might increase these pressures.
Secondly, increasing the state pension age might artificially reduce the old age dependency ratio by increasing, statistically speaking, the working-age population – but this does not mean it actually increases the working population. Any money saved on state pension expenditure would be partially offset by increases in expenditure on out-of-work benefits, for those individuals in a limbo zone, too old for work but too young to retire.
This is why an important report released this week [of 14 December 2012] by the International Longevity Centre calls for the adoption and publication of “labour market adjusted dependency ratios”.
Continue reading
It would be unwise to deny that population ageing will produce significant fiscal pressures on governments around the world, not least the UK. The Office for Budget Responsibility projects age-related public spending to rise from 21.3 per cent to 26.3 per cent of GDP per year, between 2016/17 and 2061/62.
The problem is the kind of assumptions that these figures lead to, namely that the state pension age needs to rise, to automatically reduce the “old age dependency ratio”, i.e. the number of people of working age supporting people in retirement. Firstly, the bulk of age-related spending increases will be on healthcare; I don’t quite see how compelling people to work for longer before they become entitled to the state pension minimises health spending pressures . In fact, it might increase these pressures.
Secondly, increasing the state pension age might artificially reduce the old age dependency ratio by increasing, statistically speaking, the working-age population – but this does not mean it actually increases the working population. Any money saved on state pension expenditure would be partially offset by increases in expenditure on out-of-work benefits, for those individuals in a limbo zone, too old for work but too young to retire.
This is why an important report released this week [of 14 December 2012] by the International Longevity Centre calls for the adoption and publication of “labour market adjusted dependency ratios”.
Continue reading
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