Have later state pensions made people less connected? The effects of older female pension ages in England on social capital

Abstract

Many countries have increased their state pension ages (SPAs) to offset demographic ageing and to increase numbers of older people remaining in paid work. Most research attention has focused on the economic outcomes whereas little attention has been paid to impacts on social capital, including rates of volunteering and care-giving. Prior research suggests that these are sensitive to retirement decisions. Using nine waves of individual longitudinal data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, this study examines the effects of increased SPA on volunteering, group membership and providing care. Our results show that higher SPAs have a negative impact on rates of volunteering and providing care, particularly for women in couples. Single women are not affected, and there are not significant effects on group membership and childcare provision. The more work-like aspects of social capital are affected by the increased SPA.