Determinants of Time Allocation Combinations among Non-Employed Older Persons: Evidence from Australian Time Use Diaries

Abstract

This study examined the allocation of time to activities among older Australians not in the labor force. Using the 1997 Time Use Survey, findings show that older Australians are actively contributing to their communities in contrast to the outdated depiction of them as dependent and detached. Although their contributions occur outside of the formal labour market, potential economic benefits accrue to the government because many activities mirror publicly-funded human services. This study also offers knowledge of the factors determining older Australian's time allocation across activities. Living arrangements and income sources are found associated with older Australian's allocation of time to household, social, and community activities. Further research on the value of human services produced by older persons is warranted as these services are largely unrecognized and undervalued.