Pathways to Work 2021–2025, Ireland’s national employment strategy, is designed to reduce unemployment and expand access to quality work opportunities, particularly for groups that face barriers to employment. As Ireland’s population continues to age, it is increasingly important to recognise the valuable contributions of older adults who wish to remain active in the workforce or community life and to ensure their voices are heard in shaping policy.
In support of the Department of Social Protection’s public consultation, DCU Age Friendly University (AFU) gathered feedback from older learners and AFU participants aged 50 and above. The initiative sought to understand their experiences, motivations, and challenges related to employment, lifelong learning, and participation in meaningful activity.
The responses reflected a clear theme: older adults are eager to stay engaged in purposeful work and community roles. Many are driven by social connection, personal fulfilment, and financial security. However, participants also highlighted persistent challenges such as age bias during recruitment, limited access to flexible work options, and difficulties in keeping up with rapidly evolving digital skills.
These insights echo wider European research showing that creating age-friendly pathways to work is about more than policy or legislation — it requires cultural change within workplaces, a commitment to inclusivity, and flexible arrangements that value experience and adaptability.
DCU AFU has submitted these findings to the Department of Social Protection as part of the Pathways to Work consultation. The submission reinforces the need to integrate older adults’ perspectives into Ireland’s employment strategy and to promote an intergenerational approach to work and lifelong learning.
You can read the full insights here.
