Universität zu Köln

Schmitz, Wiebke (2024). Working life and social relationships in old age. PhD thesis, Universität zu Köln.

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Abstract

This dissertation addresses two key challenges of Europe’s aging population: (1) the workforce participation of individuals aged 50 and older, and (2) the social relationships of those aged 80 and above. The first section focuses on gender disparities in employment, revealing that women aged 50+ are more likely to exit the workforce due to caregiving responsibilities earlier in life, a trend worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This underlines the need for policies that promote gender equality over the life course and enable older workers, particularly women, to remain employed. The second section investigates the social networks of people aged 80+, finding that those without a co-residential partner are at a higher risk of loneliness, particularly due to smaller social networks. Strengthening social support for this age group is crucial for improving their well-being and quality of life. Overall, the dissertation highlights the importance of life-course policies that foster active aging, promote gender equality in employment, and enhance social networks to meet the growing needs of aging populations in Europe.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD thesis)
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Schmitz, Wiebke wiebkeschmitz@posteo.de UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-737274
Date:	2024
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Management, Economy and Social Sciences
Divisions:	Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Sociology and Social Psychology > Department of Economic and Social Psychology
Subjects:	Social sciences
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Old age UNSPECIFIED Late working life UNSPECIFIED Social relationships UNSPECIFIED Life course UNSPECIFIED
Date of oral exam:	18 June 2024
Referee:	Name Academic Title Hank, Karsten Prof. Dr. Ellwardt, Lea Prof.'in Dr.
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/73727