Disability and illness is to blame for two in five unemployed 50 to 60-year-olds, MetLife has reported.
The insurer's nationwide study found just 26% comparably said they were unemployed because they were unable to find a job.
Stephanie Baillie, employee benefits director at MetLife UK, said: "Illness and disability has a massive impact on all aspects of life and particularly on the ability to work and save for retirement.
"With one in five in the 50 to 60-year-old age group saying they have conditions which impact on their daily lives it is clear that people need to consider protection products to help replace income if they are no longer able to work."
The research showed 20% of those born between 1951 and 1961 have a condition or disability that limits daily activities.
Women are more likely than men to have conditions that limit their lives but unemployed men are more likely to have illnesses preventing them from working, according to the research.
Around 52% of men who cannot work blame illnesses compared with 40% of women.
Baillie added that insurance was "absolutely essential and valuable" as part of a well-designed employee benefits package.
MetLife has product launches planned for 2013 with a focus on customer service and distribution.
