In today’s increasingly competitive and productivity-driven world of work, older adults are often sidelined. Retirement age remains a rigid norm that implicitly suggests productivity has an expiration date. This assumption overlooks a crucial fact: the wealth of experience and knowledge possessed by older adults is a form of social capital that is too valuable to waste.
Take the story of Rusdy Jierezky Jie, a 62-year-old who has rejoined the workforce in the service industry. Each day, he welcomes guests with a warm smile and an inspiring energy. He does more than fulfill his duties—he demonstrates that age is not a barrier to contribution or dignity in work.
When we spoke, Mr. Rusdy was eager to share his journey. For him, working is not just about earning income. It is a way to feel needed, connected, and purposeful. He feels empowered in his workplace—given space, treated with respect, and allowed to rest when tired, without undue pressure or expectation.
Stories like Mr. Rusdy’s urge us to revisit how we define and structure age-based employment policies. In many parts of the world, mandatory retirement age acts as a systemic barrier, closing doors on older adults regardless of their physical capabilities or willingness to remain active. Yet, countries like Japan, Singapore, and Germany have started adopting more flexible employment policies for older workers—focusing on capacity rather than chronological age.
Empowering older adults in the workforce should not be seen solely through an economic lens. It is also a matter of inclusive development—ensuring people of all ages have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in society. This reflects the core principles of active ageing: supporting older people to remain healthy, safe, socially engaged, and economically involved.
Mr. Rusdy’s experience is a powerful reminder that social inclusion must go beyond youth, gender, or disability. Older adults, too, deserve space to thrive and contribute. It is time to build a more flexible and age-diverse labor system that recognizes the value of every generation.
Creating age-friendly workplaces not only affirms the principle of social justice, but also strengthens intergenerational solidarity—where a lifetime of experience becomes a bridge for learning, connection, and shared purpose.
Thank you for the wonderful stories, Pak Rusdy!
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