Demography and Sustainability: a Prolonged Active Life for an Ageing Workforce

Extended longevity and a sustained decline in fertility are driving a profound demographic transformation, marked by a shrinking working-age population and an unprecedented shift from a predominantly young workforce to one increasingly composed of individuals over the age of 50. This demographic shift presents serious challenges for the productive sector, the organizational models of work, and the welfare system. This study examines the main demographic trends in Italy over recent decades and their implications for labour supply. It then explores the Active Ageing paradigm as a comprehensive policy framework aimed at extending working lives while safeguarding the health, well-being, and social engagement of older individuals. Finally, the paper highlights the concrete Age Management strategies that organizations need to adopt in order to effectively navigate an increasingly age-diverse workforce, recognizing the value of generational diversity and preventing age-based discrimination.