Older Worker Identity and absenteeism: Moderation of Selection, Optimization and Compensation

Abstract

Older Worker Identity consists in the internalization of negative beliefs and attitudes towards the aged emplo­yees by this people. This research aims to explore the moderator role of Selection, Optimization and Compen­sation strategies in the relationship between Older wor­ker Identity and absenteeism. The study has been con­ducted with a sample of 166 Spanish workers aged 55 years and over, which answered two questionnaires, both in Time 1 and Time 2, six months later. Findings support the moderator role both of optimization and compensa­tion in the relationship between Older Worker Identity and absenteeism. Selection strategies, both elective and loss-based, do not moderate the relationship. These fin­dings outline that those workers who actively engaged on optimization and compensation strategies could achieve a successful aging at work. The implications of this study are discussed for counseling practices.