Happiness and Life Expectancy of Older Workers by Main Occupational Status: Who Can Live Longer and Happier?

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100735

Explanation

As the population ages, the legal age for retirement is increasingly postponed, but if this is done without taking into account the inequalities in life expectancy between occupational groups, some may face higher vulnerability than others.

In this study, we examined differences in life expectancy and happiness by occupational group among Spaniards aged 50 and older, used happiness as a subjective measure of well-being, and calculated life expectancy and happy life expectancy by gender and main occupation.

The results show that both men and women in managerial positions had an advantage in terms of life expectancy, but only men recorded more years in happiness. Additionally, women who worked in daily jobs were with women who could expect to live shorter and more unhappy lives. Postponing the legal age at retirement without taking these differences into account could be detrimental to women's well-being and health, according to the study.