AGING, HEALTH AND PRODUCTIVITY - A CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

The economic implications of Europe's ageing population are considerab le. Without an increase in the size of the working population, reducin g the possible fiscal deficits will be difficult. This paper reviews t his area of increasing concern for basic, applied and strategic resear chers, namely how to increase the age at which people typically stop w orking, without damaging health or productivity. Chronological age per se may not be a good predictor of health and job performance; rather we should examine various mediating and moderating factors. It is argu ed that attention should focus on national and organizational policies , management attitudes, training, work demands, the working environmen t, work organization, the psychosocial environment and health promotio n. Older workers may currently be subject to discriminatory practices and to stereotypical and inappropriate attitudes which may adversely a ffect their health and performance. Flexible and intelligent solutions are required. Many organizations, perhaps reflecting western culture, have not yet evolved to the point where the potential contribution of older people is recognized and allowed to flourish. Once current barr iers are removed, and existing and developing knowledge applied, an op timistic picture for older workers emerges.