Factors Influencing Employment among Older Adults: Evidence from Tha Sud Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
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Abstract
This study aims to (1) examine structural and individual determinants of employment among older adults and (2) propose policy measures to promote older adults’ employment in Tha Sud Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. The analysis is based on quantitative data collected from 200 older adults using structured questionnaires, which were assessed for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and Composite Reliability. A multi-stage empirical approach is employed, including Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), Cluster Analysis, and Binary Logistic Regression.
The results indicate that family and structural constraints are the only statistically significant determinant of older adults’ employment status. In contrast, skills, economic motivation, and digital participation do not exhibit statistically significant effects. These findings suggest that employment decisions among older adults are primarily shaped by structural constraints in daily life rather than individual capabilities alone.
Based on these findings, the study proposes three policy measures: (1) promoting flexible employment arrangements, (2) strengthening community-based support mechanisms to reduce household burdens, and
(3) developing job-matching systems aligned with older adults’ structural constraints. The findings highlight that policies should prioritize reducing structural barriers alongside enhancing labor capacity, while avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches in order to better reflect local context and heterogeneity among older adults.
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