Approaches to Enhancing and Sustaining Engagement in Post-Retirement Work: A Scoping Review

Background and Objectives: With an aging population and growing economic hardship for many older adults, post-retirement work is increasingly common but often challenging due to complex, intersecting factors. This scoping review aims to identify key barriers and facilitators to post-retirement work. Methods: We searched APA PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies (2000–2025) on post-retirement work among adults aged 50–80. Eligible studies underwent two rounds of screening and risk of bias assessment. Results: Fifty-two studies were included in this scoping review. Four key themes emerged: (1) social factors, (2) health-related factors, (3) workplace factors, and (4) financial factors. Barriers and facilitators included health status, discrimination, job conditions, financial stability, policy support, social networks, and personal fulfillment. Discussion: Post-retirement work is shaped by diverse factors with important policy implications. Future research should examine underrepresented groups and regional differences.