Sustainable Working Lives in Ageing Societies: Policy Lessons from the Nordic–Baltic Region

Background

Population ageing and shrinking labour forces are accelerating across Europe, particularly in the Nordic–Baltic region, posing risks to the sustainability of health systems, labour markets, and social protection. Early workforce exit-driven by health constraints, workplace stress, digital exclusion, and caregiving—remains a key barrier to extending healthy working lives.

Objectives

This study synthesises findings from the AGE-SWAP project to identify actionable strategies supporting workforce participation among adults aged 50+ and promoting equitable, healthy working conditions.

Methods

The analysis uses comparative, interdisciplinary research across Nordic and Baltic countries, integrating survey data (e.g., SHARE), administrative sources, and policy reviews. A cross-national framework identifies structural barriers, evaluates policy effectiveness, and derives scalable interventions.

Results

Findings reveal persistent inequalities in workforce participation linked to gender, sector, and digital skills. Older workers face cumulative disadvantages, including limited training access, high psychosocial demands, and inflexible work arrangements. Short-term measures—digital upskilling, age-friendly workplace adaptations, and mental health support—show immediate potential. Longer-term strategies, including flexible retirement, care leave, and intergenerational workforce models, are essential for systemic change.

Policy Implications

Policies must adopt a life-course perspective integrating health, labour, and social domains, with emphasis on equity-sensitive interventions addressing gendered care burdens and socio-economic disparities. The Nordic–Baltic region serves as a “policy lab” for transferable solutions relevant to EU ageing strategies.

Conclusions

Extending healthy working lives is both a labour market and public health priority. Coordinated, evidence-based policies can improve retention, reduce inequalities, and support resilient ageing societies.

Key messages

• Extending healthy working lives requires integrated, equity-focused policies that address digital skills, workplace conditions, and caregiving burdens across the life course.

• The Nordic–Baltic region provides a unique comparative setting to develop and scale evidence-based solutions for ageing workforces, with direct relevance for EU policy.