Silver economy in Turkey

The modernization process has started in societies associated with the industrial revolution. During this period, the birth rate in the world has started to decrease and the time of life for individuals has started to increase. With the extension of life span, an increase has been also observed in the elderly population. Senescence and ageing, which is process from birth to death, are important concept among age phenomenon that effects social and economic structures of societies. Considering the demographics structure of Turkey, the lifetime of individuals are increasing and the population continues ageing as in the world. Ageing become one of the important term in Turkey in recent years as in the world. On account of the effects of ageing process on labor market and employment in the world economy, silver economy is constituted to create employment opportunities, which meet the needs of elders in this process. Active ageing is that with adequate care and protection opportunities in case of social, psychological and etc. needs of individuals been at social activities. On the other hand, silver economy includes the studies carried out for people to be healthy also in their old age and to continue working beneficially in the society they live in. Senescence and ageing is a process from birth to death. Therefore this concepts area versatile with the aspect of economic, social and cultural. The studies regarding the senescence and ageing are increasing day by day associated with the growing elderly population. Because of the increase in elderly population the determination of some regulation is needed regarding ageing can be said. Due to this reason in this study principally were discussed the concepts that senescence, ageing, active ageing and silver economy and the studies which is performed within the context of ageing and active ageing in the Turkey and in the world assessed. Within the scope of silver economy in Turkey, with the aim of examining elderly employment and the status of elderly participate or not to the employment residing in Ankara who is 65 years and over selected by using interviews form the qualitative study methods interviews were conducted. As a result of this study, it was determined that the population aged 65 and over wanted to participate in employment within the scope of active ageing but they could not do that. This situation shows the importance of the work that needs to be done especially within the scope of active ageing. Key Words: Silver Economy, Active Ageing, Ageing, Elderly Employment