Predictors of the willingness and the ability to continue working until the age of 65 years.

Objective: To identify predictors of the willingness and ability of older workers to continue working until the age of 65.

Methods: In this longitudinal study, 4937 employees aged 45 to 63 years included in the Netherlands Working Conditions Cohort Study were studied. Logistic regression analyses were applied.

Results: Employees who experienced emotional exhaustion and bullying or harassment by colleagues/supervisor were less often willing to continue working, whereas employees sometimes using force were more often willing to continue working. Emotional exhaustion, a work handicap, higher physical and emotional demands, lower supervisor's support, and intermediate satisfaction with salary predicted a lower likelihood to be able to continue working.

Conclusion: Prevention of emotional exhaustion and promotion of a healthy social work climate may support both the willingness and ability to work until the age of 65 years.