High Average Age of Service Sector Workers in Moldova: Causes and Trends

Labor force

Abstract

The high average age of workers in the service sector (15-64 years old) is due to several factors. In Moldova, for example, the median age of 44 reflects long-term economic hardship, youth emigration and structural changes in the labour market. In recent years, there has been a growing trend for young people to migrate in search of educational and professional opportunities, especially in developing countries, while the remaining workforce is becoming older. In addition, due to technological advances and the increasing complexity of work, there is an increasing demand for experienced middle-aged and older workers. This situation reflects labour market dynamics and societal changes, with further changes expected in the future.

Service sector, workers aged 15-64, average age

Between 1980 and 2021, the average age of workers aged 15-64 in the service sector has risen markedly. Italy in particular recorded a high average age of 44.6 years in 2016 and has maintained that high level ever since. This trend is driven by factors such as an ageing population, fewer young people entering the labour market, and increased immigration. The Italian case illustrates a typical trend among developed countries and reflects the changing labour market in an ageing society. Furthermore, amid ongoing technological innovation and the increasing complexity of work, the value of experienced middle-aged and older workers is increasing, which is also one of the reasons for the rise in the average age. This situation is a common phenomenon in other developed countries, and as the labor participation rate of young people is expected to decline further in the future, it is necessary to respond to structural changes in the labor market.

Service sector, workers aged 15-64, average age
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The maximum is the latest one, 44.6year of Italy

Services sector, workers aged 15-64, average age (worldwide)

Between 1980 and 2021, the average age of workers aged 15-64 in the service sector has increased overall. Italy in particular recorded a high average age of 44.6 years in 2016 and has maintained that peak level ever since. This is thought to be due to an aging population, declining participation of young people in the labor market, and a maturing economy. The situation in Italy illustrates trends observed across developed countries and reflects changes in the labour market, particularly in an ageing society. In addition, technological innovation and the increasing complexity of work are placing a premium on experienced workers, while reducing the inflow of young people into the labor market. These changes are having a major impact on the dynamics of the labor market, and maintaining and utilizing the workforce as the population continues to age will continue to be a challenge.

Services sector, workers aged 15-64, average age (worldwide)
speech-balloon

The maximum is the latest one, 44.6year of Italy

Services sector, workers aged 15-64, average age (worldwide, latest year)

According to 2021 data, the average age of workers aged 15-64 in the services sector is 38.5 years, with Moldova recording the high figure of 44 years. This high average age is especially prevalent in developing and economically challenged countries. In countries like Moldova, the workers who remain in the labour market tend to be older, due to economic reasons and the outflow of young people. In addition, as developed countries experience aging societies, the demand for experienced workers is increasing and the average age is tending to rise. The rise in the average age suggests that technological innovation and the increasing complexity of work are resulting in fewer young people entering the labor market. This trend is closely related to structural changes in the labor market and the aging of society as a whole, and the labor market will likely continue to be required to adapt in the future.

Services sector, workers aged 15-64, average age (worldwide, latest year)
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The maximum is 44year of Moldova, the average is 38.5year, and the total is 539year

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

According to 2008 data, the average age of workers aged 15-64 in the service sector was 30.5 years, with the Central African Republic recording this average. This figure suggests that the proportion of young people in the services sector is relatively high. In countries like the Central African Republic, young people are entering the labour market in relatively large numbers, resulting in a lower average age than in the rest of the region. The reasons for this may be related to the stage of economic development, lack of educational opportunities or the structure of the labour market. In developing countries and economically challenged regions, the younger workforce plays a key role, and young workers also tend to dominate the service sector. Conversely, in developed countries and countries with aging populations, the average age of workers tends to be higher, while the labor market participation rate of young people is relatively low. These age differences reflect differences in economic background and social structure from region to region, and are an important indicator for understanding the characteristics of the labor market.

Services sector, workers aged 15-64, average age (region, latest year)
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The maximum is 30.5year of Central African Republic, the average is 30.5year, and the total is 30.5year

Reference

The World Bank – WDI Database Archives

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