Psychometric properties of the short version of the successful ageing at work scale in the Chinese context

Abstract China faces dual challenges of population ageing and labor force restructuring, necessitating a scientific assessment of successful ageing at work to optimize the management of older employees. This study localized and validated the Short Form of the Successful Ageing at Work Scale (SAW-S) using Classical Test Theory (CTT), Item Response Theory (IRT), and Network Analysis. Data from 865 employees were collected. Results demonstrated SAW-S’s strong reliability/validity. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure (Experience and Strategies). IRT confirmed item discriminability but identified disordered response thresholds for some items. Network analysis revealed “Work Flexibility” (S1) as the most central node, bridging individual adaptability and organizational strategies. The study verifies SAW-S’s applicability in China, offering organizations an evidence-based tool to design ageing workforce policies.