Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides the reader with a definitive appraisal of each country written by an expert based in that country. It suggests a unique insight into the social policy affecting older workers and collectively constitutes a valuable research resource. The book offers a refined and authoritative understanding of the changing nature and mechanisms associated with the end of the working life and how it is organised under different ‘welfare state’ arrangements in nine EU countries plus Hungary, Slovenia and Norway. The country profiles are able to document the significant changes occurring in the relationship between work and the life course across the selected European countries. A variety of new policy initiatives can be observed in many European countries and supported by a variety of European Commission led policy statements.