THE LABOR POTENTIAL OF THE OLDER GENERATION: STABILISATION OF THE LABOUR MARKET DURING THE WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

The article examines the issue of overcoming the acute shortage of personnel in the labor market of Ukraine, caused by military operations, mass migration, mobilization processes and the intensification of the demographic crisis. The critical loss of the working-age population requires an immediate search for internal reserves, among which the elderly are a key stabilization resource. The study substantiates the strategic role of the older generation and analyzes the possibilities of transforming this social group from the category of dependents into active participants in the national economy. Older workers have significant competitive advantages: deep knowledge of production and technological processes, high responsibility, labor discipline, less tendency to external migration and the ability to ensure institutional continuity of experience. At the same time, significant barriers to their employment remain, in particular, manifestations of ageism, legislative restrictions, employer stereotypes and difficulties in mastering modern information and communication technologies. To address these problems, a comprehensive approach to the adaptation of older people to the labor market has been proposed, covering five strategic areas. The regulatory and legal area provides for job quotas and the abolition of age restrictions for civil service. The economic block proposes the introduction of preferential tax regimes for employers who hire older people. Educational initiatives focus on state retraining programs and improving digital literacy. Organizational mechanisms require the implementation of extended retirement schemes, ergonomic workplaces, and a mentoring institute. The socio-psychological vector is aimed at conducting state-level information campaigns to overcome entrenched social stereotypes regarding productivity. The realization of this labor potential will optimize the distribution of labor resources, reduce the fiscal burden on the state, and create the prerequisites for the transition to a “silver economy” model. Relying on Ukrainian pensioners is a safer and more acceptable alternative to mass external labor migration, which will allow preserving national identity and a stable socio-cultural structure in the post-war period.