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In 2001, the OECD launched a review of policies to improve labour market prospects for older workers. The aim of this review is to examine both supply-side and demand-side aspects of this topic. Older workers have been defined as those aged 50 years and over. Italy currently has the highest old-age dependency ratio among OECD countries after Sweden, with the country's pension system resulting in early retirement and low employment rates among older workers. This trend is likely to result in slower long-term economic growth and put further strain on already high public expenditures. This document, after examining the current situation and the key problems faced by older workers, attempts to address these challenges. Of particular importance is the need to increase female participation rates, change existing employer attitudes towards older workers, and improve older workers' skills, employability and working conditions.