Successful Aging

Abstract

Career theory, to date, has provided several frameworks for understanding how employees develop during their careers. However, these frameworks have not yet directly examined the criteria older workers use to evaluate their success in aging in the workplace. In the present study, the authors develop an inventory of tentative criteria for successful aging in the workplace. Two hundred and one working adults complete a self-report survey indicating the personal importance of each criterion. Factor analyses indicate five theoretically important domains for successful aging in the workplace: (a) adaptability and health, (b) positive relationships, (c) occupational growth, (d) personal security, and (e) continued focus and achievement of personal goals. Analyses indicate that only occupational growth is negatively related to age. Further evidence supporting the relevance of these criteria is also presented.