Population ageing in a globalizing labour market : implications for older workers

This article concerns the changing nature of the relationship between age and the labour market. Global demographic, economic and technological changes potentially pose major challenges for older workers trying to maintain a secure attachment to the labour market. Recent public policy has responded by defining concepts such as 'active ageing' which encourage older workers to participate fully within society, including maintaining workforce participation. Older workers' ability to secure quality work within a volatile labour market is considered. While activation approaches are currently popular among policymakers, the notion that older workers will easily avoid a diminution of their employment prospects is challenged.