New findings from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) show that motivation and job quality play a key role in extended workforce participation among older workers. Since 2013, the statutory retirement age in the Netherlands has gradually increased from 65 to 67 years. This policy change raised questions about whether older workers would be willing and able to remain in the workforce longer, and what role health and motivation would play in this decision.

More older workers remain employed longer

Analysis of working adults aged 61 and older shows a clear increase in prolonged workforce participation. The share of workers who continued working for at least three additional years rose from 58% in 2013–2016 to 72% in 2019–2022. Most did not work full-time, with an average of approximately 31 working hours per week.

Health, financial necessity and work motivation

Health status appeared to play a limited role in the decision to continue working. Participants who remained employed despite poorer health often did so out of financial necessity. At the same time, around half of the respondents continued working because they experienced enjoyment, challenge, and social engagement in their jobs. During the COVID-19 period, this trend shifted, as many relatively healthy workers reduced their working hours, coinciding with lower work motivation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that policies aimed at extending working lives should not focus solely on maintaining health, but also on improving job quality and work satisfaction among older employees.

Link to original publication:

Deeg, D. J. H., van der Noordt, M., de Wind, A., & Boot, C. R. L. (2025). Late-career workforce participation in times of rising state pension age: the role of health and motivation. BMC Public Health, 24(4404).