Employment in ageing societies
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Online
Employment in ageing societies
Turning the challenge of ageing into societal opportunities
23 novembre–11 décembre 2026
Le cours est disponible en English
Key features
INTEGRATED POLICY PERSPECTIVE
Learn how to connect demographic trends with employment policy, age-inclusive workplaces, lifelong learning, social protection and intergenerational solidarity.
GLOBAL EVIDENCE AND PRACTICE
Work with current international research and country experience on ageing workforces, labour market inclusion and the future of work.
PEER EXCHANGE AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING
Exchange perspectives with peers and contribute country experience and ideas to ongoing ILO research.
Présentation du cours
Longer lives are reshaping economies, labour markets and workplaces in every region. As people work later in life - by choice or necessity - governments, social partners and organisations need policies that support longer, productive and inclusive working lives. Yet older adults remain underrepresented in employment, especially women. This can deepen old-age poverty, reinforce age-related inequalities and leave valuable skills and experience unused. Employment in Ageing Societies examines the macro and micro implications of demographic change. Organised by the ITCILO Employment Policy and Analysis Programme in collaboration with the ILO Employment, Skills and Sustainable Enterprises Department, the course helps participants interpret global, national and sectoral indicators and assess how ageing affects labour markets, workplaces and sectors such as agriculture and care. Led by senior international experts, the course combines research-based insights, country experience and international peer learning. Participants explore ageism, employment and labour market policies, lifelong learning, social protection, income security and intergenerational solidarity. They identify policy and workplace responses that can extend working lives, improve inclusion and turn demographic change into an opportunity. Participants also share their own experience and ideas, contributing to a two-way learning process that informs ongoing ILO research on ageing workforces and societies.
Groupes cibles
The course is designed for professionals working on employment, labour market policy, workforce inclusion and demographic change: - Government officials and technical specialists responsible for employment and labour market policies, including professionals analysing the implications of ageing for national and sectoral labour markets. - Representatives of workers' and employers' organisations; staff of international organisations and development agencies; and private sector professionals working on workforce policy, age inclusion or employment practices. - Researchers and higher education professionals, civil society organisations, individual practitioners and consultants working on ageing societies, employment policy, labour markets or the future of work.
Learning objectives
After this course, participants will be able to:
- Interpret demographic, labour force and sectoral indicators related to population ageing and ageing workforces.
- Diagnose how demographic change affects labour markets, workplaces, economic sectors and income security.
- Evaluate employment and labour market policy options that support longer, productive and more inclusive working lives.
- Identify age-related biases and barriers and propose age-inclusive policy and workplace responses.
- Assess how lifelong learning, skills development and social protection can support workers across the life course.
- Apply the principles of intergenerational justice and solidarity to policy dialogue and organisational practice.
Course content
Module 1: Ageing societies - trends and labour market diagnostics
Interpret the demographic, labour force and sectoral indicators used to analyse ageing societies. Participants examine how longer lives and changing workforce structures affect labour markets in advanced and emerging economies, including gender gaps, the underrepresentation of older workers and links between employment and old-age poverty.
Module 2: Overcoming ageism through employment and labour market policy
Examine ageism in societies and workplaces and its effects on the participation of older workers. The module considers how macroeconomic, sectoral and active labour market policies, employment services, social dialogue and organisational practices can promote age-sensitive job creation and longer, more inclusive working lives.
Module 3: Lifelong learning, skills and social protection
Assess how education and training systems can support upskilling, reskilling and career transitions throughout the life course. Participants also explore how pensions, health protection, long-term care and other social protection measures can strengthen income security, prevent old-age poverty and support longer and healthier working lives.
Module 4: Intergenerational solidarity and integrated policy action
Explore intergenerational justice and solidarity as foundations for inclusive labour markets, workplaces and societies. Drawing on ILO research and country experience, participants connect employment, skills and social protection measures, identify strategic policy directions and exchange practices that strengthen cooperation between generations.
Methodology
The course is delivered fully online through the ITCILO eCampus over three weeks, with two modules per week and a total learning commitment of 18 hours. Each module combines curated online materials, an expert-led live session for debate and discussion, and applied learning activities that help participants connect evidence with employment policy, workplace practice and institutional action.
The learner-centred design allows participants to engage flexibly while progressing through the modules in sequence. Peer learning is central: participants compare national and institutional perspectives, discuss challenges and opportunities, and share practical experience and ideas. This two-way learning approach supports international professional exchange and enables participant contributions to inform ongoing ILO research on ageing workforces and ageing societies.
Why choose this course
- It brings the full policy picture together. The course connects employment policy with ageism, lifelong learning, skills, social protection and intergenerational solidarity rather than treating each issue in isolation.
- It addresses both opportunity and inequality. Participants examine productive longevity alongside gender gaps, old-age poverty, income security, age-related bias and the underrepresentation of older workers.
- It gives participants an active role in knowledge creation. Country experience, peer exchange and participant ideas contribute to a two-way learning process connected to ongoing ILO research.
Certification
Participants who meet the required attendance and activity-completion criteria will receive an ITCILO Certificate of Participation. The certificate is issued by ITCILO and confirms that the participant has met the course requirements.
Common questions
Do I need prior experience to participate?
The course is designed for professionals already working on employment, labour market policy, workforce inclusion or demographic change. No specific technical prerequisites are required.
How much time should I dedicate to the course?
The course requires a total learning commitment of 18 hours over 3 weeks, with up to two modules opening per week, each combining online materials, an expert-led live session and applied learning activities. The calendar of webinars is provided in the infonote.
What technical requirements do I need?
To participate in this online course, you will need a computer or mobile device and a stable internet connection to access the ITCILO eCampus platform and join the live sessions.
What happens if I cannot attend a live session?
Recordings and learning materials for each module's live session are made available through the ITCILO eCampus platform so participants can catch up at their own pace.
How do I access the learning platform?
Registered participants will receive access credentials and detailed instructions for the ITCILO eCampus platform before the start of the course.
Will my input contribute to ILO research?
Yes. The course is a two-way learning process: participant experience and ideas shared during live sessions and discussions inform ongoing ILO research on ageing workforces and societies.
Will I receive a certificate?
Participants who successfully complete the course requirements will receive an ITCILO Certificate of Participation, confirming completion of 18 hours of online professional training.
Can I participate from any country?
Yes. ITCILO online courses are designed for international participants and can be accessed from anywhere.
Why choose an ITCILO online course?
ITCILO online courses combine professional training, international expertise, practical learning methodologies, and a global network of participants. Designed for professionals, they offer a flexible and engaging learning experience through a dedicated online learning platform.
What is the course fee and how can I pay?
The tuition fee for this course is EUR 1010. Detailed payment instructions will be provided during the registration process.
Can my employer or organization sponsor my participation?
Yes. Many participants are sponsored by their employer, institution, development partner, or donor organization. Supporting documentation needs to be provided during the application process.
Are scholarships available?
A limited number of scholarships may be available for selected courses. Scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process based on the information provided in the application, eligibility criteria and available funding. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants need to submit their registration.
