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Journal Article 1: Collins, G. (2003). Rethinking retirement in the context of an aging workforce. Journal of Career Development, 30(2), 145-157.

Abstract: As the Baby Boomers begin to retire in great numbers later this decade, there will not be enough workers in younger age categories to replace them. In this review, an attempt is made to integrate the demographics of an aging workforce with the projected economic revitalization. Implications are discussed regarding the concept of retirement and the paradox of an oversized generation preparing to retire in the context of extended life expectancies and projected worker shortages.

Journal Article 2: Danigelis, N., Hardy, M., & Cutler, S. (2007). Population aging, intracohort aging, and sociopolitical attitudes. American Sociological Review, 72(5), 812-830.

Abstract: Prevailing stereotypes of older people hold that their attitudes are inflexible or that aging tends to promote increasing conservatism in sociopolitical outlook. In spite of mounting scientific evidence demonstrating that learning, adaptation, and reassessment are behaviors in which older people can and do engage, the stereotype persists. We use U.S. General Social Survey data from 25 surveys between 1972 and 2004 to formally assess the magnitude and direction of changes in attitudes that occur within cohorts at different stages of the life course.

Journal Article 3: Collins, A., & Smyer, M. A. (2005). The resilience of self-esteem in late adulthood. Journal of Aging and Health, 17(4), 471-489.

Abstract: The authors examined the resilience of self-esteem after loss in the lives of older adults. Specifically, the authors investigated the relationship between loss and change in self-esteem during a 3-year period. A subsample of older adults from the Americans’ Changing Lives Study was used to examine loss in the domains of health, financial security, or work and career and self-esteem before and after the loss. There was a small but significant decrease in self-esteem between Wave I and Wave II of the study.