Introduction

With the increase in longevity and changes in welfare states, policies aim to make extended working lives possible. At the same time, there may be various work-related risks that may act as barriers to an extended working life and re-entry into the labour market. The focus of this presentation is resilience, both of the labour market and of older workers themselves, in handling work-related and organizational risks in later working life.

Methods

This presentation draws on 100 problem-oriented interviews with older workers in Germany, Poland, Sweden and the UK focusing on their work life course. Respondents varied in education- and skill-level and current type of employment. The research teams from the four countries coded interviews according to a standardized theory-driven coding guide and summarized work trajectories through mapping risk-related turning points in the work life. 

Results 

We identify three different work trajectories based on the prevalence of work-related risks. Further, we present a comparative analysis of the individuals’ experiences of coping strategies and unmet needs to maintain or re-enter work.

Conclusions

Received formal and informal support reveals the psychosocial resilience of the individuals and the resilience of the labour market and welfare system to meet different kinds of risks in a working life. Altogether, the presentation contributes to the increased knowledge on possibilities for extending working lives by focusing on psychosocial and social resilience, and how different support channels throughout the work life course are employed.