What are the key adaptations needed to better integrate an aging workforce?
One problem is adapting workers to new jobs. Companies need to implement lifelong education and retraining programs. Most of them don’t do it yet. Finland has succeeded beautifully on that front. And all countries in Western Europe could succeed. Q: Is there any benefit to workers for delaying retirement? A: The longer you work, the healthier you are. The difference in mortality is enormous. The rate of mortality for the unemployed is three times higher than for the employed. Q: So why are French unions opposed to schemes that delay retirement and lengthen the working life? A: In France there is a lack of information. At the International Longevity Center we’re just starting to push this information out into the public arena. We have arranged colloquia with human-resources directors, [and we will focus] on the health status of older workers and the advantages companies can keep by retaining older workers. We will use examples of companies which have already had successful experiences.
