The labour market opportunities of older persons : empirical findings and perspectives

Abstract

This article describes the age-specific development of unemployment and employment, making a forecast about the longer term employment perspectives of older employees. Emphasis is laid on the discussion of the determinants of employment of older persons and the question of the options for action available to improve their chances on the labour market. Here the possibilities and limitations of reforms relating to labour and social law and social policy are in the forefront. The conclusion is that the situation of older persons on the labour market is 'still anything but rosy' but that it has nevertheless improved over the last years. This would appear to be due, on the one hand, to a revival of the labour market because of economic trends and, on the other, to behavioural changes in the wake of pension and social-policy reforms. 'Specific measures for elder persons' seldom help those concerned. Often these end up being 'revenge of good intentions', because special protection or special support can prove to be a stigma. (IAB)

Cite article

Walwei, U. (2010): Arbeitsmarktchancen Älterer. Empirische Befunde und Perspektiven. In: Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Vol. 65, No. 3, p. 421-433.