Retiring Generational Differences

Abstract

This chapter reviews research on the idea of “generational differences” as they apply to retirement. The authors identify and address research that makes claims for the presence of generational differences in retirement-related variables and argues for why such differences are not “generational.” They suggest alternate explanations for these findings, namely the influence of historical period effects (i.e., contemporaneous “time and place” factors). Next, they offer practical advice for individuals, organizations, governments, and policymakers, and set directions for future areas of research that are necessary to better understand changes in retirement over time that do not rely on generational explanations. Although the general focus is on retirement, the chapter addresses the implications of generational thinking and the alternative historical framework on multiple aspects of aging and work.