Social assistance mechanisms are driving the early retirement trend in Europe. Traditional life stages are disappearing, being replaced by new flexibility in managing the life course. The social security system needs to be reconsidered. (SK)

Recent studies of retirement have recognized the importance of pension plans and social security on the retirement decisions. A pension system that is neutral with respect to the timing of benefits encourages or discourages the acceptance of these benefits and subsequent job separation at any particular age only to the extent that any asset…

The extent, causes, and possible consequences of underfunded teacher pensions are examined. The analysis is divided into two separate studies. Essay I, "Appraising the Funding Status of Teacher Pensions: An Econometric Approach," examines the funding status of teacher pension plans for the 50 states and for selected localities for the…

The major findings of three studies conducted in 1979-80 for the Consortium on the Financing of Higher Education (COFHE), a group of 30 private colleges and universities, on the potential impact of extending the minimum age of mandatory retirement from 65 to 70 are presented. (MSE)

This article explores a relatively new and little understood phenomenon, that of the Australian Grey Nomads. Every year increasing numbers of older Australians take to the road. This article explores the phenomenon both empirically and theoretically. A grounded approach is used by which the experience is explored from an ethnographic account…

Higher salaries and improved working conditions have combined to make teaching a more attractive profession and to reduce teacher turnover rates. At the same time, however, the teaching work force has aged and faces problems in retirement programs. All levels of government should work with interested groups to find solutions to six major problems…

The American Association of University Professors' Committee A on Academic Freedom and Tenure examines the implications for tenure of federal legislation forbidding mandatory retirement because of age. (MSE)

Addresses the issue of "uncapping" in institutions of higher education. Notes that, beginning January 1, 1994, chronological age will no longer be a legally acceptable cause for dismissal of tenured faculty 40 years of age and older. Discusses the governance problems expected to result from this change in federal law. (Author/BH)

This report describes recent hiring and retirement patterns as well as tenure-related changes and actions taken by public and private not-for-profit postsecondary institutions that offered an associate's or higher degree in fall 2003 and participated in federal Title IV student aid programs. The 2004 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty…

Until the beginning of 1994, federal law permitted mandatory retirement of tenured faculty at age 70. The Committee on Mandatory Retirement in Higher Education, formed by the National Research Council, was charged by Congress to examine potential effects on colleges, universities, and faculty members of ending the exemption for tenured faculty…

This booklet, addressed to healthy, independent adults who want to plan for secure later lives, presents information about planning for difficult times. The first section discusses issues related to where an individual will live as needs and physical abilities change. It describes services available to help individuals remain in their homes or to…

Like most Western countries, Switzerland experienced an increased birth rate following World War II, followed by decades of slower growth. However, the number of those over 65 will have increased five-fold during the 20th century, and the number of those over 80 will have increased ten-fold. Thus, there is a smaller number of young people to…

Political, social, and legislative forces outside higher education orchestrated and directed congressional action to uncap the mandatory retirement age, paying little attention to the special nature of higher education. Lobbyists for higher education did not greatly affect the ultimate resolution. (Author/MSE)

Discusses issues related to college faculty retirement, focusing on those that would affect a retiring foreign language faculty member from a large institution. The mixed blessings of early- or phased-retirement are explored as well as the importance of tracking and preparing for the transition and the need for rituals and continuation. (CB)

School districts offer teacher early retirement incentive plans (TERIPs) as an opportunity to hire less expensive teachers, reduce fringe benefits costs, and eliminate teaching positions. Discusses reasons for teachers to accept TERIP, and describes a computer model that allows school officials to calculate and compare costs incurred if an…