The context

The positive impact of older people on society is clear. Older people are an enormous resource for the social sector, engaging in many voluntary activities and sometimes forming the backbone of the functioning of large NGOs as well as small local clubs. They often have higher rates of participation in elections, and their consultation on all issues that affect them is a prerequisite for the development of well-designed and sustainable policies. In the labour market, the experience of older people is an undeniable asset, while the diversity of ages in companies encourages innovation, multi-skilled team and the strengthening of the talent pool. More broadly, their involvement and participation undeniably contribute to healthier ageing, with better mental health and self-esteem.  

The right to live, participate in society, work and study must be guaranteed regardless of age.  

Tackling the problems that hinder older people’s participation in the labour market and society means first and foremost recognising and supporting their full potential. It also means adapting policies to different individual circumstances and contexts through a lifelong and person-centred approach.

Our key messages

We aim to tackle the barriers older people face in the labour market and to fully participate in society.

We seek to:

• Change the policy narrative on ageing at work by promoting age diversity in companies/organisations
• Adopt employment policies based on a life-course and person-centred approach to better support older people in the labour market.
• Multiply adequate, accessible and affordable lifelong learning opportunities for adults, including beyond pensionable age
• Better support the volunteering sector and create a formal status for volunteers linked to individual benefits, such as insurance coverage, partial compensation or tax-deductibility
• Empower older persons to raise their voices about issues that concern them, such as in including systematically and statutorily a representative for decision-making processes
• Adopt an intersectional approach to meet the needs of the population in its diversity