A New Employment Model for the Older Population

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to conceptually develop a Socio-Economic Smart Employment Model (SESEM) that could help older adults (aged 50 and above) who wish to remain socially active and share their knowledge and expertise.

The development of the SESEM builds on two steps: first, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to better understand older adults' work and life experiences, theories and applications of the sharing economy, and related concepts including social entrepreneurship, social innovation, collaborative spaces, open sources, information and communication technologies (ICTs), history of work, and social housing. The second step relied on an inductive approach and action research strategy to conceptually develop SESEM, which integrates three foundational pillars: sharing principles, social assets, and innovative technologies.

The model is explored through three case studies: Case 1 applies the model in the self-employment domain; Case 2 applies it to task-based employment (gig work); and Case 3 shows how SESEM could apply in a mega-project venture - the Smart Social Housing Ecosystem (SSHE) - that involves society as a whole as well as the private and public sectors, which could be a nucleus for smart social village megaprojects and smart cities.

The argument in this thesis is that this model is designed to simplify the process of engaging older adults in later life, keep them socially active and productive, and benefit the economy by maximizing the utilization of human and natural resources without compromising the environment.

From a sociological and economic perspective, the SESEM could help reduce the barriers from discriminatory attitudes and behaviours that older adults often face in the labour market.