Year: 2024
Type: dissertation
Abstract: This dissertation addresses two key challenges of Europe’s aging population: (1) the workforce participation of individuals aged 50 and older, and (2) the social relationships of those aged 80 and above. The first section focuses on gender disparities in employment, revealing that women aged 50+ are more likely to exit the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities earlier in life, a trend worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This underlines the need for policies that promote gender equality over the life course and enable older workers, particularly women, to remain employed. The second section investigates the social networks of people aged 80+, finding that those without a co-residential partner are at a higher risk of loneliness, particularly due to smaller social networks. Strengthening social support for this age group is crucial for improving their well-being and quality of life. Overall, the dissertation highlights the importance of life-course policies that foster active aging, promote gender equality in employment, and enhance social networks to meet the growing needs of aging populations in Europe.
Author: Schmitz, Wiebke
Language: English
Subfield: Demography
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7034897822