Revisiting the pathways to retirement: a latent structure model of the dynamics of transition from work to retirement

TitleRevisiting the pathways to retirement: a latent structure model of the dynamics of transition from work to retirement
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsTang, F, Burr, JA
JournalAgeing and Society
Volume35
Issue8
Pagination1739-1770
KeywordsEmployment and Labor Force, Methodology, Retirement Planning and Satisfaction
Abstract

A dynamic latent structure model of the work-retirement transition process was identified, focusing on transitions of work and retirement status for men and women aged 51-74 years. Using the Health and Retirement Study data (1998-2004), latent transition analysis was used to identify a best fitting model capturing work-retirement statuses in four samples defined by age and sex. The prevalence of each status was described and the dynamic transition probabilities within the latent structure were examined. Using multinomial logistic regression, socio-demographic, health, family and occupational factors were assessed to determine how each was related to the likelihood of occupying a specific latent status at baseline. Results showed that study respondents were classified into distinct groups: full retiree, partial retiree or part-time worker, full-time worker, work-disabled or home-maker. The prevalence of full retiree status increased, while the prevalence for full-time worker status decreased over time for both men and women. Membership rates in the work-disabled and partial retiree status were generally consistent, with decreased probabilities of the work-disabled status in the older age groups and increased probabilities of partial retirees among younger men. Our findings indicated that many older Americans experience multiple transitions on the pathway to retirement. Future research on late-life labour-force transitions should evaluate the impact of the recent Great Recession and examine the role of larger socio-economic contexts.

DOI10.1017/S0144686X14000634
Endnote Keywords

Health and Retirement Study/labour-force behaviour/latent transition analysis/retirement transition

Endnote ID

999999

Citation Key8252