The importance of the work role for aged kibbutz members

This paper investigates the importance of the work role for elderly people and how it contributes to life satisfaction. Data from the kibbutz population, where gradual retirement is practiced, show that elderly people in the kibbutz clearly wish to continue work as long as possible. Results also indicate that the wish to continue working is coupled with the work domain having a primary importance in their lives. The societal arrangements of the kibbutzim with regard to the work of the elderly seem to facilitate utilization of the work role for the elderly population.