(In)validating Stereotypes About Older Workers Influences Their Intentions to Retire Early and to Learn and Develop

Although many governments of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development are currently trying to retain older workers in the workforce, numerous stereotypes question their motivation and ability to work, learn, and develop. In two studies, we examined the influence of age-related stereotypic information on Belgian older workers' aspirations in the work domain. In Study 1, early retirement intentions were lower following exposure to positive stereotypic information than following exposure to negative or no stereotypic information. In Study 2, older workers confronted with positive stereotypic information were less willing to retire early and more motivated to learn and develop than those confronted with negative stereotypic information. Results suggest that communicating positive information about older workers' ability may boost their work aspirations.