Multiple Chronic Conditions, Resilience, and Workforce Transitions in Later Life: A Socio-Ecological Model.

TitleMultiple Chronic Conditions, Resilience, and Workforce Transitions in Later Life: A Socio-Ecological Model.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsJason, K, Carr, DC, Washington, TR, Hilliard, TS, Mingo, CA
JournalThe Gerontologist
Volume57
Issue2
Pagination269-281
Date Published2017 Apr 01
ISSN Number1758-5341
KeywordsComorbidity, Resilience, Retirement Planning and Satisfaction
Abstract

Purpose of the Study: Despite the growing prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCC), a problem that disproportionally affects older adults, few studies have examined the impact of MCC status on changes in workforce participation in later life. Recent research suggests that resilience, the ability to recover from adversity, may buffer the negative impact of chronic disease. Guided by an adapted socio-ecological risk and resilience conceptual model, this study examined the buffering effect of resilience on the relationship between individual and contextual risks, including MCC, and workforce transitions (i.e., leaving the workforce, working fewer hours, working the same hours, or working more hours).

Design and Methods: Using the Health and Retirement Study, this study pooled a sample of 4,861 older workers aged 51 and older with 2 consecutive biannual waves of data. Nonnested multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results: MCC are related to higher risk of transitioning out of the workforce. Resilience buffered the negative effects of MCC on workforce engagement and remained independently associated with increased probability of working the same or more hours compared with leaving work.

Implications: MCC are associated with movement out of the paid workforce in later life. Despite the challenges MCC impose on older workers, having higher levels of resilience may provide the psychological resources needed to sustain work engagement in the face of new deficits. These findings suggest that identifying ways to bolster resilience may enhance the longevity of productive workforce engagement.

DOI10.1093/geront/gnv101
Alternate JournalGerontologist
Citation Key9019
PubMed ID26209794