A child born in Europe today has a 50% chance of reaching 100 – and even higher in countries like Japan. But longevity is no longer exclusive to high-income countries: life expectancy in Africa, for instance, has soared to nearly 65 years. 

As people live longer, many are also working longer – either by choice or necessity. Yet, older adults remain the least represented age group in the workforce, especially women. This underrepresentation contributes to growing old-age poverty and leaves a vast reservoir of experience and talent untapped.

To build sustainable and inclusive labour markets, we need to understand how ageing affects different sectors – from agriculture to care – and identify the opportunities it creates. Societies must shift from seeing ageing as a challenge to embracing it as a driver for innovation, inclusion, and intergenerational solidarity.

This course, organized by the Employment Policy and Analysis Programme of the ITCILO in collaboration with the ILO Employment Policy, Job Creation and Livelihoods Department, will analyse both the macro and micro aspects of ageing trends and will provide participants with insights on how to analyse the trend and its implications for societies and what type of policies are needed to support inclusive societies that take into account the need for intergenerational justice linked to labour markets, workplaces and societies as a whole. In doing so, the course will draw on the latest ILO research and countries' experiences, with a view to raising awareness among policy makers, social partners and the general public on the issues related to ageing workforces within ageing societies.

This course is designed to help participants interpret global ageing trends and develop the tools to respond strategically. Led by senior ILO experts, it combines research-based insights with peer learning to equip participants to turn demographic shifts into policy opportunities.

By the end of the course, participants will:

• Understand global and sectoral indicators related to ageing workforces
• Recognize both the challenges and opportunities of ageing societies
• Explore how employment policies can support longer and more inclusive working lives
• Identify and address age-related biases in the workplace
• Learn about intergenerational solidarity and its role in shaping the future of work

This course is also a two-way learning platform: participants will contribute to ongoing ILO research by sharing experiences and ideas throughout the programme.

The course is designed for professionals working in the field of employment and labour market policies, including:

• Government officials;
• Representatives of workers' and employers' organizations;
• International organizations and development agencies;
• Private sector entities;
• Research and higher education institutions;
• Civil society organizations;
• Individual practitioners and consultants working on the issue.