THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LABOR PARTICIPATION AND THE MENTAL HEALTH OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE SILVER ECONOMY.

A significant association was found between labor participation and reduced depressive symptoms, particularly among women. Furthermore, this relationship varied by job type, showing the strongest association in high-autonomy, low-physical-demand positions. Policy interventions should not only encourage labor participation-particularly among women-but also prioritize job quality by creating positions with greater autonomy and manageable physical demands. Enhancing these job characteristics can strengthen social participation and self-efficacy, thereby maximizing the mental health benefits of working in later life.