We first compare and contrast current conceptualizations of workplace flexibility in order to arrive at a definition in harmony with its contemporary use: ‘the ability of workers to make choices influencing when, where, and for how long they engage in work-related tasks’. Next, we situate workplace flexibility in its theoretical contexts to provide researchers with a clearer understanding of what workplace flexibility is, what its mechanisms of operation are, and why it may be related to other concepts. Finally, we present a conceptual framework of antecedents and consequences of workplace flexibility, including illustrative examples of several basic associations from the peer-reviewed literature.

“Productive aging” puts forward the fundamental view that the capacity of older adults must be better developed and utilized in activities that make economic contributions to society—working, caregiving, volunteering. It is suggested that productive engagement can lead to multiple positive ends: offsetting fiscal strains of a larger older population, contributing to the betterment of families and civil society, and maintaining the health and economic security of older adults. Advocates claim that outdated social structures and discriminatory behaviors limit participation of older adults in these important social roles as well as prevent the optimization of outcomes for older adults, families, and society. We ask two important questions: (a) How can we shape policies and programs to optimally engage the growing resources of an aging population for the sake of society and older adults themselves? and (b) How can policies pertaining to productive engagement reduce health and economic disparities? We answer these questions by first describing the current state of engagement in each of the three productive activities and summarize some current policies and programs that affect engagement. Next we highlight challenges that cross-cut productive engagement. Finally, we provide policy recommendations to address these challenges.

This paper explores the perceptions of employees of different ages regarding the flexibility they need at work (flexibility fit) and their engagement with work. Using 49,209 observations representing 183,454 employees in 22 different companies, we estimated a hierarchical linear model (HLM) to explain variation in employee engagement as a function of flexibility fit and age. Although flexibility fit was a powerful positive predictor of engagement for all employees, it was a more powerful predictor of engagement for employees ages 45 and older. The positive moderating effect of flexibility fit provides employers with guidance about how to maintain the engagement of workers of all ages, but especially older workers who want to extend their participation in the labor force.

Loneliness is a significant public health concern, particularly for those who have lost a spouse through widowhood. This study examines whether becoming a volunteer at the time of widowhood is associated with reduction of these risks. A pooled sample of 5,882 married adults age 51+, drawn from the 2006–2014 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, was used to estimate regression models of the relationship between becoming widowed (relative to staying continuously married) and loneliness, and whether the associated loneliness of having lost a spouse is moderated by starting to volunteer (<2 hr, 2+ hr/week). Our results show that for those who become widowed, loneliness is significantly higher than those who stay continuously married. However, starting to volunteer 2+ hr per week is related to attenuated loneliness among the widowed such that widows who volunteer at that intensity have levels of loneliness similar to those of continuously married individuals volunteering at the same intensity. This study suggests higher intensity volunteering may be a particularly important pathway for alleviating loneliness among older adults who have recently become widowed. Results are discussed in light of theory, future research, and potential interventions.

Purpose of the Study: We aimed to investigate the interactive effects of perceived neighborhood safety and social cohesion on the psychological health of older adults with and without functional impairments. Design and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 13,897 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65 years and older) from the 2011–2012 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). Hypotheses were tested using weighted moderated ordinary least squared regression analysis. Results: Perceived neighborhood safety was significantly associated with psychological health regardless of respondents’ physical functioning, although the effect was greater among older adults with functional limitations. Perceived social cohesion, however, was only significantly related to psychological health among those with functional limitations. Among physically impaired respondents, social cohesion buffered the ill-effect of an unsafe neighborhood on psychological health. Implications: Findings suggest that efforts to promote perceived neighborhood safety and social cohesion are essential to the well-being of older adults. Special attention should be paid to older adults with functional limitations, who appear to be more vulnerable to the negative effects of neighborhood environments.

Purpose: This study tested the effect of multiple levels of engagement in the productive roles of paid work, volunteering, and caregiving on midlife and older adults’ psychological well-being. Methods: Using cross-sectional data from a sample of 330 adults aged 50 and older (largely white, women, and educated), a treatment effects model was employed to test the impact of four levels of engagement (not involved and low, medium, and high engagement) on psychological well-being. Results: Those involved in work or volunteer activities who were high in engagement reported greater psychological well-being than those who were not involved, whereas those who were low or medium in engagement reported lower well-being than those not involved. A different pattern emerged for caregiving; midlevels of engagement were associated with higher well-being compared with the noninvolved, whereas low and high levels of engagement were associated with lower well-being. Implications: Findings suggest that one’s experience of an activity plays an important role in the extent to which involvement is associated with positive outcomes. Recommendations for enhancing role quality to promote psychological well-being in middle and later life are discussed.