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Are there identifiable circumstances in which long-term exit from paid work at older ages is good or bad for health?

Aim: To explore whether, among people aged 50-64 years in England, circumstances can be distinguished in which exiting paid employment for 12 months or longer leads to improvement or deterioration in health. We will investigate a range of factors that might modify the relationship of long-term exit from paid work to subsequent health trajectories, including sex, proximity to SPA, measures of financial security, physical demands of the job left, and whether the job was perceived as satisfying. 

What the research will involve:

We will use data collected as part of the longitudinal Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) study, which follows men and women who were aged 50-64 years when recruited in 2013-14 from 24 general practices across England (21). A total of 8,134 individuals (3,698 men and 4,436 women) joined the study. This study is uniquely suited to address our research question, as it contains detailed information about socio-demographics, lifestyle, health, finances, and work-related factors collected through baseline questionnaires and annual follow-ups.

What has the study found so far? (key updates): Pending, study commencing in 2026

Study Team: Dr Stefania D’Angelo, and Prof Sharon Stevelink  

Further information: sd@mrc.soton.ac.uk

Funder: Colt Foundation  

Publications- pending

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