Alan Walker, emeritus professor of social policy and social gerontology at the University of Sheffield, has highlighted a critical gap in discussions about demographic challenges: ensuring older people remain full participants in society, including the labour market. In a letter responding to a Guardian editorial on 16 June, Walker praised the editorial for avoiding a negative economic narrative about the “burden of dependency” but noted that one key challenge was missing.
Employment Trends Among Older Workers
Walker pointed out that the UK’s employment rate among those aged 55 to 64 is falling, while in comparable countries it is rising. This trend, he argued, requires urgent attention to prevent social and economic exclusion of older people.
The Threefold Solution
According to Walker, the key to continued social and economic inclusion in later life is threefold: prevention of ill-health and disability; a major effort to combat age discrimination; and generous lifelong learning and reskilling provision. He emphasized that the Scandinavian experience shows family-friendly policies, such as extensive public childcare, were introduced to further gender equality in the labour market, not to boost birthrates.
Walker’s letter underscores the need for policies that support older people in staying active and engaged, both socially and economically, as a vital component of addressing demographic shifts.
