Active ageing – how to keep older workers in employment?

Various economic and social consequences of the ageing of communities, which all Europe has to take into account as well, make the economic activity of people over 50 in the labour market one of the most significant issues raised in labour market research. In many EU countries measures have been taken in order to maintain the employment rates of this group of workers or to include them in the labour market. The desired directions of measures to improve the disadvantaged situation of population nearing senior age include maintaining professional activity of employed people. The most effective strategy for solving the problem of ageing population in Europe is considered to be the widest possible use of existing employment potential, which in turn requires common implementation of policy for creating opportunities for participation in the labour market. This policy covers shaping of work conditions adjusted to the needs of senior workers, developing professional education, training and development plans, creation of high-quality and high-efficiency jobs, providing effective social security systems and adoption of multifaceted measures for reconciliation professional and family life, etc.

The aim of the paper is assessment of the situation of people aged 50+ in the labour market in Poland in the context of the possibility of extending their economic activity.  The analysis will be based on survey data conducted on representative national samples of people aged 45+ and employers in Poland.