A recipe for successful aging: playful work design and other key ingredients

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This chapter explains how individuals can proactively shape their career trajectories as they age. Drawing on job demands-resources theory and the aging literature, it develops the dynamic and adaptive aging framework. The framework proposes that successful aging is explained by resource accumulation and resource allocation to manage the demands associated with aging. The authors emphasize the role of proactive strategies, including playful work design, proactive vitality management, and job crafting, in determining trajectories. Such strategies enable people to sustain work engagement and work motivation, while also enabling them to thrive despite aging demands. They conclude that successful aging differs across people and settings and, therefore, necessitates a unique blend for each individual and situation. Yet, the most important principle derived is that aging is not a predetermined path or a straight line. Aging is much more dynamic. Successful aging is something everyone can actively shape with each choice they make.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch Handbook on Older Workers and Occupational Health and Safety
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing Ltd.
Pages173-195
Number of pages23
ISBN (Electronic)9781035330447
ISBN (Print)9781035330430
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2025
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dynamic and adaptive aging framework
  • Playful work design
  • Proactive vitality management
  • Proactive work strategies

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology
  • General Social Sciences
  • General Business,Management and Accounting
  • General Economics,Econometrics and Finance

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