Strategies for preserving and reproducing human capital in the context of global population aging

Abstract

The study aims to analyze the transformation of human capital within the context of the global demographic transition, characterized by irreversible changes in the age structure of society. The methodological framework of the research comprises systemic and comparative analysis, economic-statistical modeling, and the method of object structuring. The paper analyzes the challenges facing the national economies of Ukraine and several European countries due to population aging, which results in a labor market supply deficit and a decline in the cognitive mobility of the workforce. It is determined that the key instrument for mitigating the negative consequences of an aging nation is the transition to an "active longevity" strategy and investment in the "silver economy". The study proposes comprehensive strategies for human capital reproduction at the macro, micro, and individual levels, based on the concept of lifelong learning and the digital adaptation of the older generation. It is substantiated that the implementation of these strategies will help offset labor shortages and ensure additional growth in Gross Domestic Product by increasing the labor productivity of older individuals. The conclusions state that for Ukraine, in the context of post-war recovery, the priority should not merely be retaining elderly people in the labor market but ensuring their radical reskilling for integration into digital sectors. The practical significance of the research lies in the potential application of its results by state and local government authorities in developing social and demographic development programs, particularly for the preservation and advancement of national human capital. The proposed strategies allow for the optimization of social security expenditures by increasing the economic activity of older age groups and implementing tools to maintain occupational health throughout the entire life cycle.