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Austria's Life Expectancy Rises, But Age Discrimination in Labor Market Persists

Life expectancy in Austria is up, but older workers face discrimination. To tackle this, companies must recognize their value and create age-inclusive work environments.

In the image there are few vintage cars on the floor and behind it there are curtains to the...
In the image there are few vintage cars on the floor and behind it there are curtains to the ceiling with plants in front of it, in the back there are few people standing on the road followed by vehicles in the background.

Austria's Life Expectancy Rises, But Age Discrimination in Labor Market Persists

Austria has seen an increase in life expectancy for both men and women over the past decade, with men gaining 0.31 years and women gaining 0.24 years. However, this progress is accompanied by challenges in the labor market, particularly concerning the role of older workers.

The Austrian pension system remains stable and affordable, yet scaremongering about its sustainability often serves to promote private pension products and raise the statutory pension age. Despite this, a third of Austrian companies do not employ anyone over 60, effectively excluding older people from the labor market.

Older employees bring valuable strengths to the workplace, including experience, crisis stability, and loyalty. However, age discrimination is a harsh reality in Austria, with older job seekers often facing unanswered applications and refused further training. This not only wastes their expertise but also exacerbates the current labor shortages. Instead of labeling them as 'too expensive', companies should focus on creating healthier, more flexible jobs that enable people to stay active longer and work in an age-appropriate manner. It's crucial to secure good pensions by ensuring fair and safe working conditions for all ages.

Life expectancy in Austria has stagnated since 2012 and has even decreased slightly in recent years. This underscores the importance of addressing age discrimination and harnessing the competence of the elderly, especially in times of labor shortages.

In Austria, while life expectancy has increased, age discrimination in the labor market persists. To tackle this, companies should recognize the value of older employees and create age-inclusive work environments. This not only benefits the employees themselves but also helps address the current labor shortages and ensures the stability of the pension system.

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