Background: Due to the increase in longevity of the older adult population, one of the strategic social-economic challenges, in Israel and globally, is the reintegration of the 60+ population into the workforce. This is required both in response to: (i) the financial burden resulting from the increasing number of dependents per working member of society; (ii) the negative effects of increased unemployment, including, loneliness, depression etc.; and (iii) the untapped resource that this physically and mentally able older population has to offer society and the work place using their vast experience, commitment and qualifications.

Barriers to reintegration of 60+ population Numerous barriers that make starting a new career or continuing a previous career as a salaried worker extremely challenging:

Individual concerns –

o Time management

o Low level esteem

o Technological literacy-gap

Employer concerns –

o Diversity in Workplace environment

o Poor health

o Increased costs-

o Ageism

Regulation concerns_

o Mandatory retirement age law

o Tax rate

The Need

Older adults seeking employment require customized services that will enable them to successfully seek new employment especially after working for a long period in one place. These services include CV writing, interviewing skills, and mentoring throughout the job search process. Other services may focus on providing older adults with tools for being self-employed.

JDC-ESHEL RESPONSE

JDC-Eshel’s main method of operation is developing services in partnership with the GOI so they may be implemented as a public service. In principal, all 60+ employment initiatives mentioned below will be incorporated into national vocational “One Stop Shop” infrastructures.

60+ “One stop Shop” Placement Centers

The centers offer a structured framework – consisting of employability workshops, soft skills training and assistance with placements – that give older adults the proficiencies and self-confidence they need to rejoin the labor force .

“Middle of the Road” (45-75)

Placement centers targeting older adults aged 45-75 offer a basket of services along three key tracks: short term, long term and self-employment.

“Seniors Open for Business”

Creates a framework of self-employment for older adults, drawing on the capabilities and past experience of the participants to forge new business. Tailoring an entrepreneurship course that meets the specific needs of this population and offers professional guidance.

Employability

Assists job seeking in finding work suited to their abilities and qualifications, by coordinating expectations and developing personal

responsibility in the process of searching for, preparing for and starting to work.