Template-type: ReDif-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Lansink, Xander
Author-workplace-name: RS: GSBE other - not theme-related research, ROA / Labour market and training
Author-Name: Montizaan, Raymond
Author-workplace-name: RS: GSBE UM-BIC, ROA / Labour market and training
Author-Name: Patel, Salman
Author-workplace-name: RS: GSBE other - not theme-related research, ROA / Labour market and training
Title: Extending Working Lives: A Systematic Review of Motivations, Determinants, and Institutional Contexts
Abstract: Rising statutory retirement ages and population aging have increased interest in why individuals work beyond retirement. This systematic literature review synthesizes evidence from 103 studies, including 11 with causal designs, on post-retirement employment. We examine the roles of financial incentives, health, job characteristics, intrinsic motivation, family, and institutional context. Causal studies show modest effects of pension reforms, tax incentives, and abolitions of mandatory retirement, while employer practices and workplace flexibility strongly shape opportunities. Observational evidence highlights heterogeneous patterns across socioeconomic groups, sectors, and welfare-state regimes: financial necessity dominates in liberal systems, whereas voluntary engagement and identity motives are more important in social-democratic contexts. The findings underscore the need for multidimensional, coordinated policy approaches, combining macro-level incentives with firm-level practices and flexible work arrangements, to effectively extend working lives.
Keywords: Post-retirement employment, Determinants, Institutional Context
Classification-JEL: j26,j14,j32,h55
Series: ROA Technical Reports
Creation-Date: 20260421
Number: 002
File-URL: https://cris.maastrichtuniversity.nl/ws/files/307829408/ROA_TR_2026_2_Extending_Working_Lives.pdf
File-Format: application/pdf
File-Size: 990617
Handle: Repec:unm:umarot:2026002
DOI: 10.26481/umarot.2026002