Aging Workers: Achieving “Goodness-of-Fit” for Worker-Workplace Advantage

Abstract

SUMMARY A study of 55 aging workers, ages 55 through 75, was conducted to identify correlates of life satisfaction. Knowing what contributes to the life satisfaction of aging workers may suggest avenues through which to enhance “goodness-of-fit” between aging workers and their workplace environments. This study is correlational, with two research instruments. A five-item interview schedule and a 45-item questionnaire were personally administered. The dependent variable is “later life satisfaction,” with independent variables being socio-demographic, role-related, and psychosocial characteristics. Data analysis procedures utilized Pearson and Spearman correlations and multiple regression. Study findings indicate four significant correlates of life satisfaction for these aging workers: “self-perceived health,” “sense of usefulness,” “ongoing respect,” and “ability to meet one's own expectations for this time of life.” The correlate that maintained significance in multiple regression analysis was “ability to meet one's own expectations for this time of life.” A subset of the study sample was presented with these results and identified ways that workplaces may apply the findings to achieve two goals: (1) affirm workplace accomplishments of aging workers, and (2) acknowledge the integral role of aging workers in achieving the organizational mission.