Rethinking Work in Industry 5.0: Leveraging Technology for an Ageing Workforce

The workforce in many industries is ageing. With longer life expectancy and extended retirement ages, the proportion of older workers is growing, leading to challenges such as reduced physical and cognitive abilities. However, older workers bring valuable experience, knowledge, and skills that can benefit organizations. Technologies have a crucial role in this challenge, that is, in reducing physical and cognitive loads and improving workplace safety. Within the Industry 5.0 paradigm, the focus is moving away from solely automation and productivity toward improving human abilities and promoting worker well-being. Industry 5.0 aims to create more personalized, efficient, and flexible work environments that can adapt to diverse worker needs, including those of older workers. This study aims to investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with an ageing workforce and how a human–machine collaboration can enhance their productivity and well-being, promoting a human-centric approach that leverages their strengths while addressing their evolving needs.