October 1, 2026 -Â To mark the International Day of Older Persons, a recent Dedicated survey conducted for the non-profit organization DUO for a JOB reveals a striking figure: 45% of Belgians over the age of 55 feel that their professional experience is viewed negatively in the job market. This figure highlights the persistence of age-related stereotypes in Belgium and the relevance of intergenerational projects.
Feeling of exclusion among seniors
Conducted last June among a representative sample of 1,000 people, this survey highlights a general sense of skepticism.
- 41% of the Belgian population believes that the skills of those over 50 are viewed “rather negatively” (26%) or “very negatively” (15%) by the Belgian job market.
- 45% of those directly affected (Belgians over 55) share this view, underscoring a sense of exclusion.
- 56% of the younger generation (18-35 year olds), however, show genuine enthusiasm for the experience of their elders.
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In other words, Belgians—especially those over 55 themselves—believe that the experience of workers nearing the end of their careers remains undervalued.
The experience of those over 50: an undervalued asset
This perception highlights major challenges for Belgian society: valuing the skills of workers over 50 nearing the end of their careers and the persistence of age-related stereotypes.
For both companies and society, these individuals represent a wealth of experience, expertise, and skills just waiting to be shared.
Mentoring: a solution for fostering intergenerational exchange
This is precisely the purpose of the intergenerational mentoring and volunteering provided by DUO for a JOB. Since 2013, the non-profit has been creating duos between young immigrants looking for work and volunteer mentors over the age of 50. This personalized, human-centered approach to job placement is made possible thanks to more than 2,000 volunteer mentors across Belgium, from all sectors.
The numbers speak for themselves
- 87% of volunteer mentors feel they have put their professional experience and skills to good use during the mentoring process.
- 96% feel a sense of purpose as active members of society.
- 83% feel they have developed skills in mentoring.
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“Belgium is rich in its diversity, including in terms of age! In the field, we see every day the mutual benefits of intergenerational exchange: the young person decodes the job market, the volunteer finds a sense of purpose. We create encounters that would never happen in everyday life.”
- Odile Dayez, Director of DUO for a JOB.
About DUO for a JOB
Since 2013, the non-profit organization DUO for a JOB has helped more than 8,000 young people from immigrant backgrounds find employment by connecting them with volunteer mentors over the age of 50. 7 out of 10 find a job or training.
DUO for a JOB is active in Brussels, Liège, Charleroi, Antwerp, and Ghent. Through its mentoring program, the organization reduces inequalities in the job market, leverages the experience of those aged 50 and over, and strengthens intergenerational and intercultural exchange.
Press contact
Guillaume Albessard │g.albessard@duoforajob.org │+32 487 18 03 40 │Mentees and mentors available for interviews
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(Dedicated study for DUO for a JOB non-profit, conducted in June 2026 with a sample of 1,000 people representative of the Belgian population)
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