Silver Technology and Employability
SilverTech
As retirement age limits increase globally, a growing number of people over 50 are struggling to find employment—either due to a skills gap or lack of access to job opportunities in today’s market.
Latin America and the Caribbean are aging rapidly, on track to become aged societies before achieving widespread economic prosperity. For instance, in 2020, 15.7% of Argentina’s population (over 7 million people) were over 60 years old. By 2050, this figure is projected to rise to 22% (12.5 million people). (IDB, Okumura et al., 2020).
As life expectancy increases, pension systems are under pressure. The education system remains youth-centered, public policies are outdated, and the labor market discriminates based on age (ageism). In addition, the technological transformation demands digital, adaptive, and collaborative skills—often out of reach for much of the 50+ population.
To tackle this challenge, we partnered with the IDB Lab (the innovation lab of the Inter-American Development Bank) to ask:
Can we implement a program designed to create systemic change in age-related employment issues and help people in the silver economy acquire skills and access employment?
What is SilverTech?
SilverTech is a program implemented by Eidos Global and Asociación Civil Diagonal, funded by the IDB Lab and four technology companies (Salesforce, Red Hat, Microsoft, and Accenture) between 2022 and 2024. Its goal is to design an innovative digital training model for people over 50, promoting their labor inclusion.
Digital Skills
Silver Economy
Systemic change
Intervention Model
Digital Training
Equipping learners with the technical and socio-emotional skills needed for technology-related jobs through online courses designed for employability and adapted to the 50+ population.
Employability
Promoting graduates’ labor market inclusion through partnerships with companies, recruitment services, and a network of committed employers.
Awareness
Fostering cultural change around ageism and age diversity through diagnostics, media campaigns, and the promotion of inclusive workplace practices.
SilverTech was created with a two-fold mission: (1) to showcase the value of 50-plus talent and guide people over 50 as they transform their career paths, and (2) to build a community of companies that leads a systemic shift in how this age group is sought out and hired.
Courses
A human-centered approach
The program integrates a socio-emotional component—specialized tutors, emotional support, and collaborative work—essential for overcoming social, cultural, and technological barriers.
Core principles
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Person-centred focus: one-to-one guidance throughout the journey.
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Collaboration and networks: multisector partnerships and peer learning.
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Innovation and adaptability: cutting-edge methodologies and continuous updates.
Impact
(Aug 2023)
2549
50-plus participants trained in digital skills
696
hired within six months.
82,6
NPS
(Net Promoter Score)
Community
“SilverTech offers us the possibility of continuing to build a work paradigm in which Talent is not measured by age, but by the skills, experiences and interests of each person. Through it, we can expand the way to better accompany the +50 to continue learning and adapting to the new challenges posed by the current context, as well as encourage companies to offer opportunities that allow the deployment and development of the same.”
Ana Carolina Corbelle
Directora Ejecutiva de Diagonal Asociación Civil
FAQ
What is the Silver Economy?
The Silver Economy refers to the market of goods and services designed for people over the age of 50.
What is Ageism?
Ageism refers to discrimination based on age, which limits professional opportunities.
What is Upskilling?
Upskilling is the process of updating skills for individuals who already have prior knowledge and experience.
Do you offer in-company programs?
Yes, we design customized bootcamps to support generational diversity in the workplace.
Can I donate or sponsor scholarships?
Yes—contact us to explore ESG-aligned partnership options for corporate allies.
Want to make an impact together?
