Workability and health of older academics

Abstract

Universities mostly feel the need for talent academics. In connection with population aging and shortage of younger specialists the problems of using older experienced specialists get more topical. Their health and productivity are important. The studies were carried out in the Faculty of Economics and Public Administration of Tallinn University of Technology. These studies showed that the productivity of university teachers increases up to their 60s. The health of older teachers was also relatively good compared with young academics. As there is a mandatory retirement age 68 in Tallinn University of Technology, very little data are about academics in their 70s. The main conclusion is that probably the mandatory retirement age should be abolished as it is in the United States. An individual choice of academic activities and time schedule are important for older academics. Many of them prefer also part time work. Older academics should be used more in research, for instruction of students, for diploma works and MSc level teaching.