Four million UK workers aged over 50 expect poor health and health problems to be the main reasons they stop working, research has suggested.
A poll by insurer Aviva found two in five (37%) felt their job could be detrimental to their health and wellbeing, and more than half (53%) did not feel supported by their employer when it comes to their wellbeing.
The four million figure comes from an of 37% of the estimated 10.21 million over-50s currently in work. The survey of 2,497 UK adults aged 16-75 included 1,219 over-50s, 520 of whom were still in work.
Work pressures were one of the greatest strains on respondents’ physical and mental health (21%), alongside money issues (35%) and pre-existing medical conditions (24%).
More than half (53%) of those aged 50+ said they did not feel supported by their employer when it came to their wellbeing, a feeling that is much less prevalent among younger colleagues (falling to 34% of workers aged 16-49).
One in five (21%) agreed employers should offer workshops or seminars on health and wellbeing in later life.
Greater communication was also needed, as more than a quarter (27%) of those surveyed did not feel comfortable telling their employer about any health issues they face as they grow older.
Almost two in five (37%) over-50s’ workers admitted they often put their job above their health and wellbeing.
Lindsey Rix, managing director, savings and retirement at Aviva, said: “Greater clarity and support for health and wellbeing in the workplace will prevent employees, especially those closer to retirement, from having to retire prematurely and avoid a drain of valuable skills and talent.”
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