The role of digitalization in shaping the working future of older employees in Serbia

The proliferation of digital technologies has caused significant changes across various domains, particularly impacting businesses and workplaces. This transformation has considerably altered the way the labor market and economy operate. Also, digitalization presents a significant challenge for older workers, as it demands a specific set of knowledge and skills that must be continuously updated and upgraded. On the other hand, the lack of digital competencies encourages digital marginalization and the exclusion of certain social groups that are digitally deprived. Age is not an obstacle to using digital technologies, but older people often face certain difficulties when using them. As people age, the demand for various social services (health and social protection, education, finance, and others) has grown, but many of these services are only available online nowadays. Therefore, the problem of digital inclusion for the older population has become a significant area of social policy concern and presents a substantial challenge for policymakers. This study analyzes the impact of digitization on the older workforce in Serbia. Data from the Republic Statistical Office and the Eurostat database were reviewed to gather information. Findings from Serbia suggest that digital technologies create some barriers for older adults due to limited access to the labor market and inadequate opportunities for acquiring institutional support.