Ah, the age-old question: Why should one work?
It is a running joke among people that they “can’t wait to retire”. And yet, despite our half-joking jibes about wishing to retire, statistics commonly show that full retirement could cause boredom, reduced social connectedness and a loss in self-identity & purpose.
Through numerous chats with our Courage Community members, we have found that the sweet spot of work and life (no matter the age), is the ability to embark on meaningful projects flexibly. Introducing…
✨The Tripartite Work Arrangements✨
Flexi-place: most commonly implemented as the hybrid work arrangement, where some days of work can be done from home (or a cafe!)
Flexi-time: where there is flexibility on start and end times, with provision to integrate work and life, as long as work gets done with good standards.
Flexi-load: where there is flexibility on the scope of work, executed on a part-time/fractional basis. The least popular sibling among the trio, flexi-load has conventionally been tougher for organisations to wrap their heads around due to the need to design roles that accommodate varying workloads. But this trend is slowly changing!
The world of work is shifting. In the past, life used to be chunked up neatly - people studied, worked, and then retired. But things are a lot more fluid these days! Younger people are taking sabbaticals to study or pursue interests, working moms and dads may choose fractional work arrangements to spend more time with their kids, and senior professionals wish to work longer but more flexibly. People are coming in and out of the workforce in various capacities.
So.. why work? Regardless of age, work remains one of the cores of human existence.
Social Identity and Purpose: Continuing to work after retirement can help older adults maintain a sense of identity and status, which is often linked to better mental health. Knowing that we are contributing valuable skills to society increases a sense of purpose that helps us to get out of bed in the morning.
Social Participation and Support: Work also provides opportunities for social participation and support, which can be beneficial for mental well-being. Loneliness and social isolation in older age can happen gradually and silently, with detrimental health consequences. The workplace can provide one with new friends and a like-minded community, which adds variety and vitality to one’s life.
Cognitive and Physical Health: Some studies also suggest that working in later years can help maintain cognitive functioning, including memory, and improve physical health. This is attributed to the cognitively stimulating environment that work provides, which can serve as a compensatory mechanism against age-related cognitive decline.
Of course, the most positive effects of working come when there is a good balance between work and other facets of life. A role or project that is manageable in workload, provides a good challenge without overwhelm, and an inclusive workplace environment that values the skills and experiences of senior professionals are pertinent to boost mental health in later life.
Are you or someone you know keen to embark on a second chapter of work? Join us on our mission to ensure that all young seniors have the choice to work, the choice of work and when to work!
Join our community for free here: https://www.thecouragechapter.com/apply-now
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