Marvin OnumonuAlmost one in three people (27%) said staying in work past retirement age would help them live longer, according to the 2025 Bupa Wellbeing Index.
However, over one in four employees over 55 said they did not feel supported to stay in work.
Among over 55s, 41% said they wanted more flexible working patterns, 31% wanted time off for health appointments, 21% wanted time off for periods of serious ill health, and 19% wanted support for physical health such as private health insurance.
Among people who had gone back to work after retiring, 36% said they had a stronger sense of purpose, 26% said their mental wellbeing had improved, 24% said they had a chance to keep learning, 19% said their physical health had improved and 9% said they experienced weight loss.
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.”
More than a third (36%) of UK business leaders said employers should play a lead role in keeping people in the workplace.
83% said the Government should reward employers who promote workplace health.
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.”
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 well-being.
“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 well-being in later life.”
Harrison added: “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.”
Dr Jennifer Dixon, CEO at the Health Foundation, said: “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.”
Dixon added: “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.”
