Aim
To describe the work ability of mature age women workers in Australia’s aged care sector, and to explore the relationship between ageing, work ability and intention to leave.
Work ability, age and intention to leave aged care work
JournalAustralasian Journal on Ageing
AuthorsSiobhan Austen, Therese Jefferson, Gill Lewin, Rachel Ong ViforJ, Rhonda Sharp
PublishedMarch 2016
PublisherWileys Online Publication
DOI10.1111/ajag.12187
ISSN1741-6612
Number of Pages18-22
Volume35 (1)
Method
Logistic regression techniques were applied to a sample of 2721 responses to a survey of mature age women workers in the aged care sector.
Results
Mature age women working in the Australian aged care sector have relatively high levels of work ability by international standards. Furthermore, their work ability remains high in their 50s and 60s, in contrast to some prevailing stereotypes. However, work ability is a key determinant of intention to leave in key occupational groups.
Conclusion
Our findings challenge some prevailing stereotypes about the work ability of mature age workers. However, they lend support for the development of retention strategies, which incorporate programs that target low work ability.
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre team acknowledges the Wadjuk Nyungar people as the traditional owners of the land on which the Centre is situated.