Insights into the experiences of older workers and change: Through the lens of selection, optimization and compensation

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dc.contributor.authorUnson, Christine
dc.contributor.authorRichardson, Margaret Ann
dc.date.accessioned2013-02-28T03:13:38Z
dc.date.available2013-02-28T03:13:38Z
dc.date.copyright2012-08-30
dc.date.issued2012
dc.description.abstractPurpose: The study examined the barriers faced, the goals selected, and the optimization and compensation strategies of older workers in relation to career change. Method: Thirty open-ended interviews, 12 in the United States and 18 in New Zealand, were conducted, recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed for themes. Results: Barriers to finding and maintaining work included task difficulty, problems with coworkers and management, lack of self-confidence, health/physical limitations, ageism, and stereotyping. Respondents’ most frequently selected goals for a new career were the desire to help others, work satisfaction, and acquisition of learning. Seventy-five percent of respondents in paid employment had earning an income as a goal. Optimization strategies included drawing on past experience, assessing skills, seeking careers/organizations that fitted their values, and a willingness to accept lower pay or unpaid work. Attitudinal strategies included focus and persistence, optimism, and positive attitudes toward change. The compensation strategies reported were on-the-job training; help from coworkers, clients, or customers; friends and family social support; and professional networks. Management practices considered helpful were flexible work schedules, supervisors’ patience, and formal recognition of the value of older workers. Conclusion: This qualitative study, using the SOC framework, showed that evaluating one’s skills and values, being positive about change, and being part of a supportive work environment were key contributors to adaptive competence.en_NZ
dc.identifier.citationUnson, C., & Richardson, M. (2012). Insights into the experiences of older workers and change: Through the lens of selection, optimization and compensation. The Gerontologist, 53(3), 484-494.en_NZ
dc.identifier.doi10.1093/geront/gns095en_NZ
dc.identifier.issn0016-9013
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10289/7276
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherOxford University Pressen_NZ
dc.relation.isPartOfThe Gerontologisten_NZ
dc.relation.ispartofThe Gerontologist
dc.subjectencoreen_NZ
dc.subjectcareersen_NZ
dc.subjectSOCen_NZ
dc.titleInsights into the experiences of older workers and change: Through the lens of selection, optimization and compensationen_NZ
dc.typeJournal Articleen_NZ
pubs.begin-page484en_NZ
pubs.elements-id37942
pubs.end-page494en_NZ
pubs.issue3en_NZ
pubs.volume53en_NZ
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