HOW DOES INCREASING THE FULL BENEFIT AGE OF SOCIAL SECURITY AFFECT FACTORY WORKERS’ PLANS TO RETIRE?

The Social Security full benefit age has increased from 65 to 67 for those born after 1960. Increased life expectancy has been the main argument for why it is thought that people should work longer. However, research indicates that low income workers have seen little increase in life expectancy. The purpose of this research was to explore the implications of increasing the full benefit age for factory workers to help inform policy makers. A qualitative research design using a grounded theory approach was used to explore the implications of an increased full benefit age. Open-ended semi structured interviews were conducted with seven individuals aged 38 to 57 who work as hourly employees in a Midwestern factory. Interviews were audio recorded and lasted 60 to 90 minutes. Analysis of the seven interviews concluded that factory workers' concerns about planning for retirement centered on their financial security and health status.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Gerontological Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Gerontology

Grantor dc:publisher

Miami University

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Stemen, Sara Elizabeth

Contributors dc:contributor

• de Medeiros, Kate

• Gerontology
• Social Security
• Retirement

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1365607776

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:miami1365607776