Moldova’s High Average Age of Female Workers: Key Factors and Trends

Labor force

Abstract

Recent data shows that Moldova has the highest average age of female workers aged 15-64, reaching 44.1 years in 2021. This is likely due to a number of factors. First, Moldova is an economically developing country, and youth participation in the labor market is often limited. As a result, they are more likely to remain in the workforce for longer periods, which can result in a higher average age. It can also be said that the economic crisis and lack of employment opportunities are discouraging young people from participating in the labor market and causing workers to continue working long after retirement. Furthermore, inadequacies in social security and pension systems can also be a factor in encouraging long-term employment of older workers. Developed countries generally have a lower average age and more mature labor markets, providing plenty of employment opportunities for young people. Meanwhile, developing countries are seeing a pronounced ageing of the workforce, which is affecting the structure of their labor markets.

Female workers aged 15-64, average age

Looking at data from 1981 to 2021, the average age of Moldova’s female workers aged 15-64 shows a particularly striking trend. In 2017, the average age hit a record high of 45.6 years, a notable indicator of ageing in the labour market. Moldova’s ageing labour market is likely due to economic difficulties, young people emigrating overseas and a lack of work opportunities. In recent years, the average age in Moldova has fallen to around 96.7% of its peak, but it still remains high. This indicates that long-term economic challenges and social changes are deeply affecting the age structure of the labour market. With limited employment opportunities for young people, workers continue to tend to stay on the job for longer periods, resulting in an aging labor market. In contrast, developed countries have relatively youth-centered labor markets and do not exhibit the same ageing trends as Moldova. These trends reflect international economic inequalities and social factors, and are important indicators for understanding the structure of labor markets.

Female workers aged 15-64, average age
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The maximum is 45.6year[2017] of Moldova, and the current value is about 96.7%

Average age of female workers aged 15-64 (worldwide)

Using data from 1981 to 2021, Moldova has a particularly high average age for female workers aged 15-64, at 45.6 years in 2017. This ageing population is closely linked to Moldova’s economic difficulties. The economic downturn, youth emigration and low birth rates have led to an increase in the average age of women in the labour market. Although the current median age in Moldova has fallen to around 96.7% from its peak, it remains high. This change reflects signs of economic recovery and fluctuations in the labor market, but the ageing labor market continues to be a challenge. An ageing workforce can affect the efficiency and competitiveness of the labor market. To counter this, we need to increase employment opportunities for young people and reform the economic structure. Overall, the data from Moldova are an important indicator of the economic challenges and structural changes in labour markets in developing countries.

Average age of female workers aged 15-64 (worldwide)
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The maximum is 45.6year[2017] of Moldova, and the current value is about 96.7%

Female workers aged 15-64, average age (world, latest year)

According to 2021 data, Moldova has the highest average age for female workers aged 15-64, reaching 44.1 years. This high average age reflects Moldova’s particular economic and social circumstances. Economic uncertainty, high unemployment and young people emigrating abroad mean that older people tend to remain in the labour market for longer periods. This is causing the average age to rise. The overall median age is 38.8 years and while many countries are close to this figure, some, such as Moldova, are significantly higher. These differences are due to each country’s economic situation, social security system, and labor market structure. An ageing workforce can affect labor market efficiency and productivity, making revitalizing the economy and creating jobs for youth a key challenge for countries like Moldova. Data from Moldova show the impact of structural labour market changes and economic hardships on the average age of female workers, providing guidance for future policies and economic reforms.

Female workers aged 15-64, average age (world, latest year)
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The maximum is 44.1year of Moldova, the average is 38.8year, and the total is 621year

Female workers aged 15-64, average age (region, latest year)

According to 2008 data, the Central African Republic has the highest average age for female workers aged 15-64, reaching 31.2 years. This figure is in line with the global average at the time, indicating an even distribution of average age, but the higher average age in the Central African Republic reflects an unusual situation. The high average age in the Central African Republic is due to several factors. First, economic hardship and social instability are limiting young people’s participation in the labor market. This reduces job opportunities for young people and leads to older workers working longer. Additionally, a lack of educational opportunities and vocational training are also cited as factors limiting young people’s participation in the labor market. In addition, the Central African Republic’s labor market is heavily divided into non-regular and agricultural workers, which also contributes to the aging population. In contrast, many developed countries tend to have high youth participation in the labor market and a relatively young average age. Thus, the 2008 data shows how economic difficulties and structural problems in the labour market in developing countries are affecting the average age of female workers, highlighting the importance of labour market improvements and social support.

Female workers aged 15-64, average age (region, latest year)
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The maximum is 31.2year of Central African Republic, the average is 31.2year, and the total is 31.2year

Reference

The World Bank – WDI Database Archives

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