Age and employment in the new Member States

In recent years, the European demographic situation has been characterised by a growing proportion of older people and a shrinking proportion of younger people – a trend that is set to continue for at least the next two decades. These developments pose challenges for both public policy and the economy, as well as for private and public organisations. With regard to public policy, for example, the financial sustainability of pension and health systems is called into question, as is the efficient functioning of the labour market. At the same time, private companies and public organisations will need to adapt to older persons as both clients and employees.