Individual competencies that older workers use in successfully adapting during their careers

Abstract

Some older workers are more successful than others in maintaining a high level of functioning despite losses in psychological and biological capacities. In this grounded theory study of the careers of eight older workers, we identified ten Protean-like competencies relating to: replacing beliefs about chronological age with beliefs of psychological age; taking steps to improve health; adjusting preferences to fit life's circumstances; cultivating relationships to improve work and career; developing relationships which recognise a diversity of interests; developing relationships for mentoring others; developing a sense of self in relationships; redefining the contract with the organisation; finding aspects of work which are meaningful and fulfilling; replacing job worth with self-worth. One of the most frequent observations underlying these findings was the variation among the respondents in their beliefs about the ability to control the events they encountered in their lives.