Italy

The demographic trends are posing new challenges for en-terprises and the social security systems in Europe. While the population of the European Union is ageing rapidly be-cause of low birth rates and increasing life expectancy the number of older people in employment is comparatively low. Moreover, many withdraw from the labour force at relatively early ages. At the same time, Europe's enterprises will need to depend in future more than ever before on qualified, motivated and especially on healthy employees. And if the social security systems on the European continent are to continue to function economically, they will have to rely on employees being able to remain longer in gainful employment. New strategies will be essential to help integrate employees in the work process for a longer period of time and to make better use of the potential provided by elderly employees. In this particular chapter is descibed the situation of the ageing in Italy and a selection of models of good practice.