Potential employees of retirement age represent a heterogeneous group. The reasons for working or not working at retirement age are very different and are influenced by economic, motivational (for what purpose is work done?), health-related, competence-related and social factors (e.g. family situation/partnership), among others. As a result, the individual reasons for working or not working at retirement age are varied and move along three dimensions: need (economic necessity), ability (health and competence-related prerequisites) and desire (which needs are satisfied through gainful employment).

We aim to define more clearly the different sub-target groups among those potentially working at retirement age in order to be able to address them specifically and attract them to the labour market.

Increasing labour force participation requires clearly addressing the needs, facilitating factors and current barriers related to 65+ employment. The Employment in Retirement Age (ERA) Cluster identifies the current status of relevant international research, derives the need for action related to Switzerland, highlights the still existing need for research and provides specific insights into the working environments of employed people aged 65+.