Aging and Employment: Characteristics of Those Working and Retired in California

Little is known about the aging worker's psychological, social, and physiological characteristics. In this study, 447 individuals (working and retired) aged 50 and over completed the California Work and Health survey. Most of the working respondents (n = 150) were employed full-time and worked in education, health care, government, and retail trade. Those working reported being in greater health, being less depressed, and having more energy and activities than those retired. There was no difference between those working and retired in social and psychological characteristics such as number of friendships and ability to control important things in life and overcome difficulties. Educating managers and business professionals about these characteristics is essential given anticipated social security system changes in the future.