Mental well-being and caring for others linked to retirement preferences

A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that generativity, that is, the concern to care for the next generation, and mental well-being are significant factors in the preference to continue working later in life.

Kolme henkilöa juttelemassa keskenään työpaikall

Published

5.11.2025

The sufficiency of the workforce in an aging population has been a long-standing societal concern. As people live and maintain their functional capacity longer, extending working careers offers one solution to this challenge.

This longitudinal study examined predictors of retirement preferences—such as preferred retirement age and willingness to continue working after retirement. These factors were assessed when participants were 42, 50, and 61 years old. Retirement preferences were surveyed at age 61. About one-third (38%) of participants hoped to retire no earlier than the minimum statutory retirement age, and around half (55%) expressed a desire to continue working after retirement.

The study showed that individuals who reported higher levels of generativity and mental well-being were more likely to prefer retiring at or after the minimum retirement age.

“We observed these associations over a span of up to 20 years. Individuals with higher generativity at age 42 were more likely to prefer retiring at the minimum retirement age or later,” says doctoral researcher Emmi Reinilä.

Generativity, that is, the concern and ability to care for and support the next generation, was also linked to the willingness to continue working after retirement. Those who reported higher generativity were more likely to want to keep working post-retirement.

“It is important to offer employees opportunities to express generativity, such as sharing advice, experiences, and inspiration with younger colleagues. Promoting mental well-being is also essential. This approach can benefit both the individual and society,” Reinilä continues.

The study was based on data from the Jyväskylä Longitudinal Study of Personality and Social Development, which has followed the same individuals for over 50 years since 1968. The most recent data collection (TRAILS, 2020–2021) was funded by the Academy of Finland. The preparation of this research article was also supported by the Finnish Cultural Foundation.

Original publication:

Reinilä, E., Kekäläinen, T., Saajanaho, M., von Bonsdorff, M., & Kokko, K. (2025). Mental well-being and generativity as predictors of retirement preferences at the beginning of late adulthood : A longitudinal study. International Journal of Behavioral Development, Early online. https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254251368788