Using the Labor Potential of the Third Age Population in the Republic of Bashkortostan

Based on a survey given, the article discusses social and economic aspects of how the labor potential of the third age population is exploited in the Republic of Bashkortostan. In 2008, the number and proportion of working-age population began declining. The working-age population in Bashkortostan reduced by more than 400 thousand people. Along with this demographic process, another one has started: the elderly population is growing. Such a large decrease in the working-age population demands to make adjustments to the policy of social and labor relations: it is necessary to concentrate on attracting new workforce and increasing the efficiency of manpower. Under the evolving demographic situation, engaging people of retirement age in the economy could be one of the ways to solve the problem in hand. The survey was conducted among working and non-working members of the third age (55-72 years), and employers in the region. The probabilistic random sampling method was chosen. Respondents were selected at the survey site by using screening questions on their age and presence of regular employment. The poll covered a wide range of questions concerning labor and financial position, opportunities to continue working, health and other issues. Employed pensioners answered a series of questions on types of employment and working conditions, and whether their profession and field of employment correlated with their education, experience and qualifications. The article shows which conditions will help to engage the third age population in the economy in order to actually make up for the reduction of the able-bodied population in the region.