The aim of both of these expert’s reports is to examine the practicability of and possible starting points for specific BAuA model projects on working conditions suitable for ageing persons and the ageing process.

The study of AIP/INIFES (part A of the publication) primarily gives an overview of the poor employment prospects of the ageing under the sign of demographic change. Using statistical data, the study points out the numerous challenges posed by divergences in regional development and the rising of the actual retirement age combined with a declining pension level.

Work appropriate for ageing focuses on a person as an active, development-oriented being with personal and social resources, as well as at an integral, process-oriented health concept. Based on recent research, the report establishes proof of how the quantity of physical strain shifts between qualitatively different working conditions and how psychological strains, in the age context, frequently occur in atypical forms of employment. In terms of work/job quality, representative surveys allow a glance at the affected persons’ expectations of being able to retire from their current job at the regular retirement age. In addition, the report shows where operational measures can be used to cope with demographic change. Empirical findings demonstrate the reality of implementing relevant measures.

Furthermore, the study presents alternative recommendations for the inclusion of suitable industries and occupations in the planned projects. A systematic selection of projects aims at guaranteeing their applicability and transferability. The basic project requirements are a preventive orientation and an integrated point of view in terms of an extended health concept.

The study of FhG-IAO (part B of the publication) is assuming that in the future essential innovations and adaptability processes in enterprises have to be coped with an increased age average. The subject “age specific working conditions” was up to now mainly ignored. Firms are asked to create varied jobs and working conditions for the individual employee to make changes in physical strain and incentives for learning possible in order to prevent deterioration in work of an ageing workforce.

Where this is possible a foreseeable consumption in qualification, health and motivation should be counteracted as early as possible. Especially if employees are working in jobs with one-sided equal strain and routine in the long term there is an urgent call for action. Suitable for younger and middle aged employees are individual preventive approaches in order to prevent a foreseeable decrease of efficiency by becoming older. For these age groups combined measures of strain changes and incentives for working conditions are to be recommended.

Please download the complete report "Age specific working conditions" (in German only).