AGING AND EMPLOYMENT: A STUDY ON THE LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION DECISION OF THE ELDERLY IN TURKEY

Abstract

n this study, it has been tried to determine the factors that affect the labor force participation decision of individuals between the ages of 55-64 in Turkey. In accordance with this purpose, analysis was carried out with the Logit method using the 2017 Household Labor Force Survey data obtained by the Turkish Statistical Institute. According to the findings, it was determined that the variables of education, retirement, gender, age and marital status were effective on the decision to participate in the labor force for elderly individuals. It has been observed that the effect of having a university or higher education is particularly striking. Another important finding is that most retired individuals have moved away from the labor market. In addition, it has been observed that the probability of women’s leaving the workforce is higher than that of men. Policy recommendations have been developed to increase the education level of individuals, to discourage early retirement and to ensure women's participation in the workforce.