Approximately 40% of Blue-Collar Workers Say They Can 'Continue Working After 60', While Concerns Over Physical and Health Decline Persist
A survey of 724 blue-collar workers by Leverages Inc. reveals that about 40% believe they can continue working past age 60. While over half of those in their 50s wish to stay with their current employers, they express concerns regarding physical and health decline, highlighting the need for success stories of veteran workers and flexible working systems.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 00:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 26, 2026 at 15:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 26, 2026 at 16:09 (37 min after Collected)
LevJob, a career support service for essential workers operated by Leverages Inc. (https://levjob.jp/), has conducted a survey on future career realities among 724 current blue-collar workers.
The industry breakdown of the respondents includes Manufacturing (45.4%), Construction (20.6%), and Logistics/Transportation (20.6%).
1. Approximately 40% of blue-collar workers say they can 'continue working after 60'
When asked if they could continue working in their current field after 60, about 40% replied, 'I think I can continue working (39.8%),' surpassing the 24.7% who said they could not. Among those in their 50s, 43.8% believed they could continue, the highest rate across all age groups.
2. Over 60% of those in their 50s want to 'continue working at their current company,' despite health concerns
Regarding future career outlooks, more than half of the total respondents stated they 'want to stay at their current company (50.8%).' For those in their 50s, this reached 63.0%. However, when asked about anxieties regarding their future careers, 'anxieties about physical and health decline due to aging (35.2%)' ranked highest.
3. Key environments for long-term employment: 'track record of veteran success' and 'flexible working systems'
When asked about necessary environments for working after 60, 'track record of veterans over 60 succeeding (38.5%)' was the top response, followed by 'flexible shift systems such as 3-day workweeks or part-time hours (37.8%).'
Comment from business manager Moriyama:
With the increase in the base amount for the in-service old-age pension system implemented in April 2026, institutional support for long-term employment is progressing. However, workplaces are facing chronic labor shortages and an aging workforce. Creating an environment where skilled personnel can work with peace of mind is an urgent issue. Companies are required to design environments where workers can work reasonably according to their age and life stage, and to design roles that leverage their experience.
The industry breakdown of the respondents includes Manufacturing (45.4%), Construction (20.6%), and Logistics/Transportation (20.6%).
1. Approximately 40% of blue-collar workers say they can 'continue working after 60'
When asked if they could continue working in their current field after 60, about 40% replied, 'I think I can continue working (39.8%),' surpassing the 24.7% who said they could not. Among those in their 50s, 43.8% believed they could continue, the highest rate across all age groups.
2. Over 60% of those in their 50s want to 'continue working at their current company,' despite health concerns
Regarding future career outlooks, more than half of the total respondents stated they 'want to stay at their current company (50.8%).' For those in their 50s, this reached 63.0%. However, when asked about anxieties regarding their future careers, 'anxieties about physical and health decline due to aging (35.2%)' ranked highest.
3. Key environments for long-term employment: 'track record of veteran success' and 'flexible working systems'
When asked about necessary environments for working after 60, 'track record of veterans over 60 succeeding (38.5%)' was the top response, followed by 'flexible shift systems such as 3-day workweeks or part-time hours (37.8%).'
Comment from business manager Moriyama:
With the increase in the base amount for the in-service old-age pension system implemented in April 2026, institutional support for long-term employment is progressing. However, workplaces are facing chronic labor shortages and an aging workforce. Creating an environment where skilled personnel can work with peace of mind is an urgent issue. Companies are required to design environments where workers can work reasonably according to their age and life stage, and to design roles that leverage their experience.
FAQ
ブルーカラー職の60歳以降の就業に対する意識はどうなっていますか？
調査対象の約4割（39.8％）が「60歳以降も働き続けられる」と回答しています。
50代の労働者が抱えるキャリア継続上の不安は何ですか？
最も多い不安は「加齢に伴う体力・健康への不安（35.2％）」で、次いで「会社の将来性（26.8％）」、「収入が安定しない（19.8％）」となっています。
長期就業のために必要とされている職場環境は？
「60歳以上のベテランが活躍している実績（38.5％）」と「週3日勤務や短時間勤務などの柔軟なシフト制（37.8％）」が重要視されています。
今回の調査の対象者は何名ですか？
現在ブルーカラー職に従事している724名です。
回答者の業種内訳はどのような構成ですか？
製造業（45.4％）、建設業（20.6％）、物流・運輸（20.6％）が上位を占めています。