ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that gender and the professional status can moderate or sometimes reverse the effects of age on work. It examines the importance of policies aimed at withdrawing older workers from the labour market, but it is important to note the existence of a tradition of early withdrawal. Belgium has developed a broad range of advantages for older people in terms of wages, working conditions and protection against lay-offs. The Belgian system distinguishes itself by the importance it gives to collective bargaining in these matters. Belgium developed a broad range of advantages for older people in terms of wages, working conditions and protection against lay off. Belgium is a country of deep-rooted tradition of early withdrawal, and only the future will tell if the turn of the century marks a significant change in the culture.
