One in four people (27%) believe staying in the workforce beyond retirement age will help them to live longer, according to research from Bupa.
The 2025 edition of the insurer’s Wellbeing Index sheds light on what over 55s most commonly want in terms of support to remain in work, with flexibility on working patterns as most in demand (41%).
Time off for health appointments (31%) and periods of serious ill health (21%) came next, with support for physical health such as private health insurance (19%) also cited by nearly one in five over 55s.
Its release comes ahead of the launch of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review which is expected to be published next month.
Sir Charlie’s preliminary findings reported a surge in the number of older people (50-64) with work limiting health conditions, up 0.9m (32%) between 2019 and 2024.
However, research from Standard Life released this summer also found one in four employees over 55 (27%) did not feel supported to stay in work, with 440,000 reported to leave key sectors every year.
The Bupa survey also pointed to the positive impact of returning to the workforce for older people.
Those re-entering the workforce said doing so had given them a stronger sense of purpose (36%), improved mental wellbeing (26%), a chance to continue learning (24%) and even improved their physical health (19%), with 9% experiencing weight loss.
Enable longer working lives
Rex Fan, lead behavioural insights specialist at Bupa, said: “Keeping ourselves mentally challenged is crucial for building brain capacity and cognitive reserve, also known as neuroplasticity.
“This strengthens and builds the neurological pathways in our brains so when we get an injury our neurons are better able to adapt and compensate by forming new connections, in turn aiding recovery or even lowering the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s.
“Our brain is like a muscle so the more we challenge it the better, helping build strength that directly impacts our brain and mind.”
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India and UK, said: “We must recognise the immense value that all generations bring to the workforce.
“We support the premise of the Keep Britain Working Review that enabling people to stay in work longer, with health and wellbeing support, is supportive of economic resilience and long-term workplace sustainability.
“The findings of our latest Bupa Wellbeing Index show that workplace health strategies must evolve to meet the needs of an ageing workforce, and we all have a part to play; healthcare providers, employers, employees and the government.”
Jobs must promote better health and wellbeing
Ben Harrison, director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, said: “Being in work can make a positive contribution to people’s physical, mental and social health – but only if jobs themselves promote better health and wellbeing.
“Too often we find that those on low incomes or who are already suffering with their health are unable to access the kind of workplace policies that could support them to remain in employment when they suffer a setback.
“It’s critical that the government and employers commit to ensuring no generation faces a choice of trading security and access to health-related benefits for the flexibility at work they may need to manage their wellbeing in later life.
“Boosting the quality and coverage of occupational health provision and strengthening statutory sick pay and other leave policies could also support more workers struggling with their health to remain in employment for longer.”
Growing workforce health challenge
Dr Jennifer Dixon DBE, chief executive at The Health Foundation, added: “The UK is facing a growing workforce health challenge, driven by an ageing population and a sharp rise in mental health conditions.
“As this report shows, good work is good for health.
“Helping people stay in work through timely, tailored support is essential for people’s wellbeing. And it’s vital for easing pressure on the health care and benefits systems, and for retaining valuable skills in the economy.
“As the Foundation’s Commission for Healthier Lives showed, to achieve this, employers, workers and government must work together to make healthy workplaces and rapid rehabilitation the norm.
“Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review, expected later this year, is a vital opportunity to set out a blueprint for a preventative workplace health support system that is fit for the future.”
