Should retirement be retired? The pros and cons of older workers

An aging population is no longer just an issue for developed countries. An increasing number of developing economies are facing the reality that they will get old before they get rich, rich enough to pay for the health care and social support that an older population needs.  At the same time some economies have shortages of the workers and skills needed to grow and handle the changes created by climate change and technology.

Older people are living longer than ever before, and many are fitter and healthier than previous generations. Yet not only does little attention seem to be paid to keeping older people in the workforce beyond currently-established retirement ages, ageism remains commonplace and many employers resist the idea of hiring or retaining older workers even while younger candidates are in short supply.  On International Day for Older Persons (1 October) we look at whether keeping people in the workforce longer could be an answer, and what changes are needed to make it yield the maximum benefits for all sides.