How do we get senior citizens to stay longer in the labour force?
In just over 100 years the average life expectancy in Europe has increased from 48 to 82 years for women and from 46 to 76 years for men. We are healthier and live longer. At the same time the birth rate has fallen in the past 50 years and forecasts indicate a continuation of that trend. One conclusion is that we need more senior citizens in the labour force.
Photo: Johnér
Europe's population is getting older and older and there are fewer people in work. Fewer and fewer people have to support a growing number. Hence, a central question to be discussed at the Northern Future Forum 2012 is how more senior citizens can stay longer in the labour force.
Same retirement age despite increased health
The European social models follow old patterns, but our lives have changed. Today, we often live for another 20-30 years in good health after retirement.
Nevertheless the retirement age in most countries is the same today as when the conditions of living were different. This means that even alert, strong and healthy men and women finish their working lives while they still have the energy and will to continue contributing to society.
Some stop working even before retirement age. Of the 55-64 year-olds in the EU countries the average level of employment in 2010 was 46.3 per cent. And among the 65-74 year-olds in the EU, only 7.7 per cent were active in the labour market in the same year (see 'Comparative EU statistics' in the left margin menu).
Address the challenges that keep seniors out
We need more seniors in the labour force. But it is not just retirement age that stops older people from working longer than today. There are also other challenges. Work environment problems, age discrimination, and at times complicated rules for running businesses are some examples (see also 'Swedish pension age on review' in the left margin menu).
During Northern Future Forum, delegates will exchange ideas and experiences on issues such as:
- What could the Government do to further support employers that want to hire seniors, or keep them at work longer?
- How could policies be changed to enable employers in industries where jobs are physically and mentally demanding to prevent employees from needing early retirement?
