This TAEN/LSE seminar examined the evidence. Since the 2006 research by Waddell and Burton (Is Work Good for Your Health and Well-being?),  the received wisdom expressed on this issue has been that working later in good work is good for your health whilst, conversely, retirement, particularly early retirement, is damaging for your health. This seminar was led by authorities in the field and combined a high-level perspective with the opportunity for TAEN members to contribute.

Dr Wilson Wong, Senior Researcher at the Work Foundation, explored issues of Job Quality, Meaning and the Case for Working Late. He considered the arguments for working later drawing on work undertaken by the Work Foundation.

Sociologist Philipp Hessel of the LSE explored the evidence from both sides and suggested that on the balance of evidence  retirement does not damage one’s health.

Stephen Balchin, Head of Strategy and Analysis for Extending Working Lives, Department for Work and Pensions, discussed the evidence on the health benefits of working longer.

The seminar was held at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA (14:30 - 17:00).