The article substantiates the main problems affecting the state and development of the labor potential of Ukrainian regions and the state as a whole: demographic, psychophysiological, social, economic, educational. Theoretical and methodological aspects and the evolution of approaches to the study of essence and assessment of the labor potential of the region are highlighted. The author’s approach to the interpretation of the structure of the labor potential of the region with the justification of its quantitative and qualitative characteristics is proposed, methodological tools for assessing the state of the labor potential of the region are developed. The methodology was tested on official statistical data on the regions of Ukraine for 2019. Based on the obtained integral characteristics, the Ukrainian regions were grouped taking into account the qualitative and quantitative components of the labor potential. The results of the study can be used in the course of the implementation of the regional policy. Keywords: labor potential of the region, characteristics of labor potential, combined approach, comprehensive assessment, state regional policy.

The demographic, legal, and social problems of the employment of older and elderly people in the professional and business sphere are dealt with in the article. It is shown, that in Germany, Russia, and Ukraine decline of the birth rates, started in early 60s of the last century, has led to a significant decrease in the potential replacement rate and the demographic support one. This fact, as well as a high mortality rate at the working age, became the main reasons for the reduction in the numbers of labour resources. Under these conditions, a use of the labour of the pensioners is one of possible strategies in the solution of the problem of labour resources. In this regard, the problems of pension legislation and labour one in relation to the elderly have been analysed. The urgent need of the formation of a new, positive image of old age in society is shown.