On 26 November, the Porto Commercial Association (ACP-CCIP), with the support of the School of Economics and Management of the University of Porto (FEP) and Jornal de Notícias, organised the conference “The Future of Demography – Challenges of a Changing Society.” This event highlighted the urgency of addressing the demographic crisis that particularly affects the North of Portugal, with a focus on population ageing and brain drain, issues of concern to both authorities and civil society.
The conference featured an excellent panel, with FEP represented by its Dean, Óscar Afonso, and Professor Eduardo Oliveira, a member of the School’s Executive Board.
Óscar Afonso emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia, businesses, and the public sector in promoting active ageing. FEP’s Dean highlighted that “promoting healthy ageing is essential, not only for human dignity but also to ease the pressures on Social Security and to make use of the vast experience and knowledge that older generations can continue to offer.” His speech focused on the need to develop qualification programmes, health prevention initiatives, and workplace adaptations for ageing populations.
In turn, Eduardo Oliveira presented an innovative proposal aimed at encouraging companies to promote the extension of active working life. The FEP Professor led an international study across nine countries, including the US, Europe, and Japan, to understand the conditions necessary for workers to be willing to stay in their jobs for longer. His research revealed that a good organisational climate, the appreciation of older workers, and better financial preparation for retirement are crucial factors for businesses to retain talent at older ages.
The event provided an opportunity to reconsider strategies that could be implemented to address demographic challenges sustainably, reflecting on issues such as youth emigration, population ageing, and the costs associated with supporting families.
The President of ACP, Nuno Botelho, emphasised that the situation requires more than “cosmetic measures,” warning of the need for a deeper, more strategic approach to ensure the future economic and social sustainability of Portugal.
The conference highlighted the urgency of ongoing dialogue between various sectors of society, with the aim of creating effective solutions for the demographic challenges that Portugal and Europe will face in the coming decades. FEP’s active participation was essential in bringing these issues to the forefront of the debate, contributing to the creation of a more inclusive society, better prepared for the challenges of an ageing population.