Predictors of the willingness and the ability to continue working until the age of 65 years.

OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of the willingness and ability of older workers to continue working until the age of 65. METHODS In this longitudinal study, 4937 employees aged 45 to 63 years included in the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study were studied. Logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS Employees who experienced emotional exhaustion and bullying or harassment by colleagues/supervisor were less often willing to continue working, whereas employees sometimes using force were more often willing to continue working. Emotional exhaustion, a work handicap, higher physical and emotional demands, lower supervisor's support, and intermediate satisfaction with salary predicted a lower likelihood to be able to continue working. CONCLUSION Prevention of emotional exhaustion and promotion of a healthy social work climate may support both the willingness and ability to work until the age of 65 years.