How Income and Working Age Limits add to Social Exclusion with Elderly
Written by Abigail Lim
‘Social exclusion’ refers to the separation of individuals and groups from mainstream society (Commins 2004; Moffatt and Glasgow 2009). This issue has recently become more prevalent in the older generation due to the lack of resources, rights, goods, and services as people age, and the inability to participate in normal relationships and activities.
This article focuses on labour market integration and the exclusion of people of working age and low incomes (Moffatt and Glasgow 2009).
While retirement is often viewed as a natural phase of life for older individuals, the imposition of working age limits may have an exclusionary impact on the elderly. These age restrictions not only force individuals out of the workforce earlier than they might anticipate but also create barriers to economic and social participation.
The experience of retirement is shaped by one's earlier work life, and for many, this transition can amplify the sense of exclusion. Research indicates that age discrimination in the workplace plays a key role in this process, with older workers often denied opportunities for employment or advancement due to assumptions about their physical condition or skill levels. Even before reaching state pension age, many older individuals face age-based discrimination, causing them to lack the money they need (Ageing, Old Age and Older Adults: A Social Media Analysis of Dominant Topics and Discourses | Ageing & Society | Cambridge Core, n.d.).
The loss of income following retirement deepens the feeling of this exclusion. Without these extra funds, the elderly experience a sense of disconnection. When income thresholds are set too low, many may find themselves below the poverty line, not being able to afford the rising costs of living. This economic vulnerability can isolate them from accessing essential services, social activities, and basic needs like healthcare and housing, as well as transportation, social events, recreational activities, or even communication with family and friends (Bosma et al., 2015).
As a result, the elderly may withdraw from social circles, because of their lowered self-esteem due to their financial situation. This isolation can eventually result in the development of illnesses such as depression, or dementia. The interplay between financial instability, working limitations, and social exclusion is a cycle that becomes harder to break as time goes on, with long-term consequences for mental and physical well-being.
Edited by Olivia Zhang