1 in 3 people say staying at work will help them live longer

Almost one in three people (27%) say that staying in the workforce beyond retirement age will help them to live longer, according to new research by BUPA. However, over one in four employees over 55 (27%) say that they do not feel supported to stay in work, with 440,000 over 50s reported to leave key sectors every year.

The new research forms part of the 2025 Bupa Wellbeing Index – a major report into the nation’s workplace health, and which explores what workers need to stay in their careers for longer.

It comes ahead of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s much-anticipated Keep Britain Working Review expected to be published next month. Sir Charlie’s preliminary findings reported a surge in the number of older people (50-64) with work limiting health conditions, up 0.9m (32%) between 2019 and 2024³.

Over 50s currently make up over nine million workers, showing their importance to both the economy and employers.

Bupa’s report reveals what the over 55s most commonly want in terms of support to remain in work, with flexibility on working patterns as most in demand (41%). Time off for health appointments (31%) and periods of serious ill health (21%) are next, with support for physical health e.g. private health insurance (19%) also cited by nearly one in five over 55s.

Encouraging older people back to the workplace

The Bupa Wellbeing Index also reveals the positive impact of returning to the workforce for older people. So called ‘un-retirees’ say that re-entering the workforce has given them a stronger sense of purpose (36%), improved mental wellbeing (26%), a chance to continue learning (24%) and even improved their physical health (19%) and experienced weight loss (9%).

Bupa’s Lead Behavioural Insights Specialist, Rex Fan said: “Keeping ourselves mentally challenged is crucial for building brain capacity and cognitive reserve, also known as neuroplasticity. This strengthens and builds the neurological pathways in our brains so when we get an injury our neurons are better able to adapt and compensate by forming new connections, in turn aiding recovery or even lowering the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s.

“Our brain is like a muscle so the more we challenge it the better, helping build strength that directly impacts our brain and mind.”

Over a third (36%) of UK business leaders said that employers should play a lead role in keeping people in the workplace. But 83% said they believed the Government should reward employers who promote workplace health.

The number of employees benefitting from workplace health insurance has grown steadily over the past three years. In 2021 around 4 million employees were covered by private medical insurance through their employer. This figure rose to 4.4 million in 2022, before reaching a record 4.7 million in 2023⁵. The year-on-year growth marks the highest level of access to workplace health insurance in over three decades.

Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India and UK, commented: “We must recognise the immense value that all generations bring to the workforce. We support the premise of the Keep Britain Working Review that enabling people to stay in work longer, with health and wellbeing support, is supportive of economic resilience and long-term workplace sustainability.

“The findings of our latest Bupa Wellbeing Index show that workplace health strategies must evolve to meet the needs of an ageing workforce, and we all have a part to play; healthcare providers, employers, employees and the government.”

Ben Harrison, Director of the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, offered: “Being in work can make a positive contribution to people’s physical, mental and social health – but only if jobs themselves promote better health and wellbeing. Too often we find that those on low incomes or who are already suffering with their health are unable to access the kind of workplace policies that could support them to remain in employment when they suffer a setback.

“It’s critical that Government and employers commit to ensuring no generation faces a choice of trading security and access to health-related benefits for the flexibility at work they may need to manage their well-being in later life. Boosting the quality and coverage of occupational health provision and strengthening statutory sick pay and other leave policies could also support more workers struggling with their health to remain in employment for longer.”

Dr Jennifer Dixon DBE, Chief Executive, The Health Foundation, added: “The UK is facing a growing workforce health challenge, driven by an ageing population and a sharp rise in mental health conditions. As this report shows, good work is good for health. Helping people stay in work through timely, tailored support is essential for people’s wellbeing. And it’s vital for easing pressure on the health care and benefits systems, and for retaining valuable skills in the economy.

“As the Foundation’s Commission for Healthier Lives showed, to achieve this, employers, workers and government must work together to make healthy workplaces and rapid rehabilitation the norm. Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working review, expected later this year, is a vital opportunity to set out a blueprint for a preventative workplace health support system that is fit for the future.”