An Empirical Study to Identify Older Adults’ Engagement in Productivity Occupations

Abstract

There is little knowledge of the current level of engagement in productivity occupations by older adults in the United Kingdom. The aim of this study, therefore, was to explore the current productivity occupations of adults over 60 years who consider themselves to be healthy and the motivations that underpin those occupations. Structured interviews were conducted with 70 adults with a mean age of 72. Content analysis was used to explain productivity, occupational choices and motivators. The participants identified five roles and occupations they considered to be work: home‐maker, volunteer, carer, paid employee and student, with most holding a home‐maker role. Altruism and pleasure were reported as the most important motivators for engaging in productivity occupations. Further research is required to explore the possible link between pre‐retirement work roles and the productivity choices made in later life.

Key Words:

• Productivity
• Occupations
• Older people