Public Lecture by Gwenith Fisher, A/Professor of Industrial/Organisational Psychology, Colorado State University, USA, and CEPAR Associate Investigator
Abstract: Workforce demographics have been shifting over the past couple of decades due to economic, health, social and psychological factors. These factors include decreasing fertility, increased life expectancies, changes in public policy and age of eligibility for government pensions, and other economic and psychological reasons for continued work. As a result, a higher proportion of workers remain at work until later ages than in the past and retirement ages have been increasing in recent years. Recent research has highlighted the importance of keeping workers healthy and engaged in productive work. When people remain engaged in the workforce, they continue to contribute to, and benefit, society. Although a great deal of past research has examined physical health and wellbeing of working older adults, less research has investigated issues related to cognitive functioning and work. This presentation will provide some background on work and retirement trends, discuss ageing and cognitive functioning, and explain implications of ageing and cognitive functioning for work and human resources management. Additionally the presentation will describe research, practical, and policy implications for the labor force at societal, organisational and individual levels.