Socio-psychological analysis of elderly employment

The increase in the labor force participation and employment rates of the population aged 50 and over worldwide, as well as the increase in the age limit for retirement with legal regulations, brings up the redefinition and regulation of working and employment conditions for older workers. Therefore, it is so important to develop employment policies to ensure that older workers remain in the labour market. At this point, it is necessary to focus on age-firendly employment policies, legislative regulation and organizational pratices that there is an opportunity for older individuals to find a job and continue at work. In this research, were examined to in terms of the socio-psychological reflections of the aging of the population on society, social structure elements, roles and attitudes of various organizations and individuals. In addition, it is aimed to evaluate the problems faced by the employess over the age of 50 in the labour market and the economic, social and psychogical effects of these problems, as well as the trade unions and human resources (HR) practices for the employment of the older workers. In the research, in depth interview method was used in the context of qualitative research. With this scope, one on one in depth interviews were conducted with 71 people. Including, a total of 35 workers aged of 50 and over, 19 of whom are not retired and 16 of whom are retired, employed in the metal sector, 23 trade union representatives, 1 trade union branch chairperson, 1 trade union branch general secretary and lastly 11 HR managers. The data obtained from the interviews were deciphered and analyzed with the qualitative data analysis program of MAXQDA 20. As a result of analysis, the data obtained from employees aged 50 and over, trade union representatives and HR managers were examined in five themes. The themes in topic are "employment of elderly and retirement", "the impact of elderly employment on traade unions and organizations", "problems faced by older workers in the labor market", "employability of older workers" and finally "practices and policies regarding elderly employment". Within the scope of the evaluations, it has been concluded that the older workers experience various problems such as age discrimination, fear of dismissal and inability to retire and conflict of generations due to the conditions of working life. In addition, it has been concluded that the public, private sector and unions are not very encouraging on the employment of the elderly in Turkey, but it should be supported by various policies. Keywords: Ageing Workforce, Elderly Employment, Older Workers, Age-Friendly Employment Policies, Age-Friendly Organizations, Age-Friendly Human Resources Policies, Trade Unions