Prolonging Careers Through Health and Purpose

As the workforce ages, extending senior employees’ careers is more important than ever. Professor Lars L. Andersen, a leading researcher in workplace health and aging, has dedicated his work to understanding how to support longer, healthier working lives.
At the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Denmark, Andersen has explored the key factors that help senior workers remain in the workforce. His research provides valuable insights into workplace strategies that promote well-being and sustainable careers. In our upcoming course Prolonging Working Life among Senior Workers, he shares key approaches to supporting senior employees.
Background and research journey
“My background is in human physiology from the University of Copenhagen. I’m currently a Professor at the National Research Centre for the Working Environment in Denmark, where I’ve led several major research projects focused on extending working lives, including the large-scale SeniorWorkingLife project. My research specifically examines the factors that influence retirement decisions and aims to create sustainable working conditions for senior workers”
“We need to ensure that those who can and want to work longer can do so in good health”
“My interest in prolonging working life began when I observed the growing challenges of an aging workforce in Denmark. The SeniorWorkingLife project emerged from seeing skilled workers leave the workforce earlier than necessary due to preventable work-related factors.
I became particularly fascinated by the complex interplay between work environment, health, and retirement, and how we could influence these factors to support longer, healthier working lives.”
Key career achievements
“One of my most significant achievements has been leading the SeniorWorkingLife project, which has provided crucial insights into the factors that influence retirement decisions and ways to prolong working life in a positive way.
We’ve gathered comprehensive data on how working conditions, health, and various workplace factors affect seniors’ decisions and their ability to continue working or retire. This research has directly influenced policy discussions and workplace practices across Denmark and the Nordic region.”
The importance of prolonging working life in 2025
“This topic is more relevant than ever as we face significant demographic changes across the Nordic countries and Europe. With increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates, we need to ensure that those who can and want to work longer can do so in good health.
The economic sustainability of our welfare systems depends on more people staying active in the workforce longer. Additionally, many seniors today are healthier than previous generations and want to continue contributing to society through work.”
Future impact of research
“I hope our research will contribute to creating healthier workplaces where senior workers can thrive. Through the SeniorWorkingLife project and related research, we aim to provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and workplace leaders to support extended working lives. Our goal is to help organizations implement effective strategies that enable workers to stay engaged and productive in their later careers while maintaining good health and work-life balance.”
What to expect in the upcoming course
“Participants will get an overview of existing knowledge, as well as completely new knowledge, on research about prolonging working life. We’ll explore practical strategies for creating healthy and age-friendly workplaces, including how to assess and modify physical and psychosocial work environments to support senior workers.
The course will cover evidence necessary for extending working lives, and participants will discuss how to implement this in their own organizations. We’ll also discuss the latest trends and policies affecting senior workers in the Nordic countries and how to navigate these changes effectively.”
Course: Prolonging Working Life among Senior Workers, 13th – 15th of May 2025, Radisson Blu Hotel, Malmö, Sweden
More information: Course web page | Course registration | Last registration date: 9th of April 2025