Abstract

FULA, António; AMARAL, Virgílio  and  ABRAAO, Ana. Que idade tem o trabalhador mais velho? Um contributo para a definição do conceito de trabalhador mais velho. Aná. Psicológica [online]. 2012, vol.30, n.3, pp.285-300. ISSN 0870-8231.

The present study aims to contribute in the definition of older worker concept, through the identification of the ages that define this life’s stage. It also explores the possibility of defining this concept using an imaginary line that draws back through time, in order to protect self-esteem and a positive self-image. A sample of 177 persons participated in the present study, with ages between 17 and 76 years old. The older worker’s age was defined as an interval, whose limits were found using a questionnaire specially developed. The findings suggest that the “older worker” has between 53 and 65 years of age, and it is pointed to people that are in a transitory phase: close to end their active life and entering retirement. The results show, in one hand, a small positive correlation between participant’s age and the lower limit of “older worker”, and, on the other hand, a small negative correlation between participant’s age and the interval’s range. The results are consistent with the idea of an imaginary line that draws back through time, as the person gets older.

Keywords : Age; Ageism; Older worker.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )