Age-related trait-differences: Significance for reemployment of older adults

The present study investigated a total of seven cognitive and seven non-cognitive abilities regarding age-related mean differences. Therefore, a group of unemployed people aged 50 or older was compared to a second group aged 25 or younger. In accordance with the differential model ( Baltes, 1997), both deficits ( especially lower general and specific cognitive abilities) as well as resources ( especially higher interpersonal abilities, integrity, and achievement motivation) of older people were found. These differences were further investigated regarding their significance for external job criteria of reemployment success. As such, the personality traits mentioned above were significantly correlated with the criterion. As a unique contribution, age-related differences were conceptually and empirically combined with their relevance for reemployment success. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.