The idea that Scotland is facing a workplace ageing crisis as the population gets older is a myth, a new report from Scotland's Futures Forum (SFF) claims.
The year-long study conducted by the forum found that in ten years half of all people Scotland would be over 50, but concluded that if action is taken now "the nation can afford to grow old".
Many changes affecting the workplace are recommended in the report, including the introduction of phased retirement through reduced hours, job share, increased leave and time off for voluntary work.
It also recommends creating national and local job skills banks for workers aged 50 plus, the creation of mentoring schemes so older workers can pass on skills to younger ones and encouraging intergenerational contact between the young and old.
"While it is certainly true that in Scotland, along with the rest of the world, the population is getting older, that, in itself, does not constitute a crisis," study chair Lord Sutherland said in the report.
A study from Aon Consulting, also released this week, indicated that European Union member states were likely to face a pensions crisis unless they increased employment rates among older workers.
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