Fostering Resilience
Enhancing Digital Inclusion for the Elderly: Strengthening Social Resilience and Well-Being Through Technology View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Waralak Vongdoiwang Siricharoen
The "Digital Social Resilience Initiative" tackles the challenges older adults face in adapting to online environments, focusing on building their digital competencies and fostering meaningful social interactions. As the global population ages, addressing loneliness and social isolation is paramount to maintaining the well-being of seniors. This study emphasizes the critical role of initiatives that promote digital inclusion, community engagement, mentorship, and user-friendly technology to foster social resilience. Early evidence from similar efforts shows increased usage of digital platforms, improved mental health, and enhanced community cohesion among participants. By empowering older adults with the necessary tools and guidance, we can elevate their quality of life and mitigate the risks of social isolation in the digital age.
Late Working Life in Sweden - Long Working Lives and Exclusion from Late Work and Unwanted Exits
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Gülin Öylü, Susanne Kelfve, Andreas Motel Klingebiel
Although Sweden has one of the highest labour market participation rates for older workers in Europe, early exits due to unemployment, disability, care responsibilities, or precarious employment remain common, especially among women, migrants, those with primary education, and blue-collar workers. This study uses Swedish register data to follow the 1954 cohort between 1990-2022, analysing how socio-economic status, employment sector, employment type, migration and labour market histories are linked with both the timing and type of labour market exit. Exit timing is categorised as ages 61-64, 65, 66-67, and 68+, and exit type distinguishes between unemployment benefits, disability benefits, pensions, and no benefits for those who exit at 61-64. Results show that men, higher-educated individuals, the self-employed before the year of exit, and those with strong labour market attachment, fewer periods spent outside Sweden are more likely to exit later. Sector differences in late working life outcomes are substantial. Financial and insurance workers are more likely to exit at 61-64, usually with pensions and rarely with unemployment or disability benefits. Health and education workers exit later but have higher risk of receiving disability benefits at exit. Cultural, personal service, and hotel sectors show low early-exit rates but higher unemployment at exit. These findings underline that extending working lives requires addressing structural inequalities, improving workability, and supporting re-employment across the life course. Policy efforts should focus on health-enhancing work conditions, lifelong learning, and inclusive labour market opportunities to ensure sustainable late working life participation.
To Work or not to Work: Post-retirement Employment in Lithuania View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Kristina Zitikyte
Increasing life expectancy necessitates prolonged workforce participation. However, motivations for post-retirement employment vary. Financially secure retirees may work for personal fulfilment, social engagement, and societal relevance. Conversely, those with lower socioeconomic status often undertake bridge jobs to mitigate poverty risk. The increasing vulnerability to poverty among older individuals further incentivizes prolonged employment. In Lithuania, the proportion of employed old-age pension recipients has remained relatively stable (12% in 2018 and 13% in 2024). Previous research (Zitikytė 2019) identified factors influencing bridge employment: a longer retirement record, higher pre-retirement wages, and residence in urban areas positively correlated with continued employment. In contrast, higher sickness rates, greater pension benefits, and prior unemployment benefits discouraged such employment. However, sectoral differences remain underexplored. This paper examines how employment in various economic sectors influences post-retirement labor participation. Using unique administrative data from Lithuania, it investigates sector-specific employment patterns. This study hypothesizes that individuals retiring from high-skilled or public sector occupations are more likely to remain active in the labor force after retirement, while those from manufacturing, trade, and transport sectors are more likely to exit the labor market upon reaching the statutory retirement age. Binary probability models assess the likelihood of post-retirement employment across sectors. Findings elucidate sectoral variations in workforce retention among older individuals. These insights inform targeted policy strategies to enhance employment opportunities for retirees, thereby addressing demographic and economic challenges associated with an aging workforce.
