Abstract
The ageing population is a global phenomenon that brings with it changing dynamics within the work force and work course. Within Europe, the Extended Working Lives agenda goes some way towards addressing these challenges. The European year of Active Ageing and Solidarity Between Generations and subsequent healthy and active ageing rhetoric demonstrates a collective focus, however at the sectoral and organisational levels policy changes and more importantly, demonstrable, effective policy changes have been inconsistent. Using findings from interviews with sector leaders, employers, and employee representatives across three sectors in Germany, Poland, Sweden, and the UK, this presentation explores the current state of sectoral and organisational policies for older workers and their role in reinforcing or minimising late working life exclusion and inequality. Intersections with gender, race, and caring responsibilities are acknowledged and the ‘age-blind’ policy rhetoric is challenged. Shifting to a forward-facing outlook, the need for a life course focussed approach to extended working lives policy design is justified. Good practice examples and areas for policy learning are explored, followed by a discussion of the future dynamics of an extended working lives policy agenda at the sectoral and organisational levels.
Presenters
Rachel CrossdaleThe University of Sheffield, United Kingdom Alan Walker
Liam Foster
Senior Lecturer in Social Policy and Social Work, Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2024 Special Focus—Diversity Over Time: Changes in Individual, Organizational, and Place Contexts
KEYWORDS
Aging, Population, Europe
