[Critical analysis of the conceptualization of work among older adults in the contemporary era].

Conceptualizations of work in old age have concentrated at two analytical levels: microsocial and macrosocial.

• The analysis covered conceptualizations published between 2000 and 2025 from a Western perspective.
• The research followed a critical essay format using inductive logic under Toulmin's argumentative model.
• The microsocial level focuses on individual experiences, role transitions, and perceived advantages and disadvantages of older workers.
• The macrosocial level recognizes the influence of economic, political, and cultural aspects on labor relations in old age.

At the microsocial level, four key concepts were identified in relation to work and older adults: productive aging, work identity, occupational therapy, and workaholism.

• These concepts are related to experiences, role transitions, advantages, and disadvantages perceived by older workers.
• Each concept addresses individual-level phenomena rather than structural or systemic factors.
• Workaholism (addiction to work) was specifically identified as a microsocial concept relevant to older adult workers.

At the macrosocial level, three key concepts were identified: non-traditional work, fair (decent) work, and the gender division of labor.

• These macrosocial concepts recognize the influence of economic, political, and cultural aspects on labor relations in old age.
• Non-traditional work and fair/decent work were identified as relevant macrosocial frameworks for understanding older adult employment.
• The gender division of labor was included as a macrosocial concept shaping older adults' work experiences.

One-dimensional conceptualization of work reduces the ability to explain new dynamics in the work of older people.

• The essay argues that existing conceptualizations are insufficient for capturing the complexity of work in old age in a globalized world.
• The emergence of new labor relations in the globalized world makes it imperative to adjust or construct new conceptual definitions of work.
• Current conceptualizations have not consolidated an explanatory theory that would allow for a comprehensive definition of work in old age.

No existing conceptualization has yet succeeded in consolidating an explanatory theory that would establish a definition of work in old age.

• The review period spanned 2000 to 2025.
• Both microsocial and macrosocial conceptualizations were found to be limited in their explanatory scope.
• The authors conclude that a comprehensive, integrative theoretical framework for work in old age remains absent in the literature.
• The analysis was conducted from a Western perspective, which may limit generalizability to non-Western contexts.