Twice EU level of pensioners at work

IRELAND has double the number of pensioners at work as other EU countries, and most favour people being allowed to work for as long as they wish after they reach the official retirement age.

But despite the fact that Europe’s population is ageing, threatening the ability of future generations to pay for pensions, health and long-term care for the elderly, the majority do not see it as a problem.

In less than five decades, there will be only two Europeans working for every European over the age of 65 — half the current average. The trend has already begun, as the baby-boomer generation has begun to retire, and the strains on the system have been increased by the debt and pension crisis.

The solution to these problems lies in getting people to work longer, keeping them healthy and active for longer and contributing to society for longer. It also means changing attitudes towards ageing, combating social exclusion of older people and making the environment more age-friendly.

The Irish are the most appreciative of all Europeans of the abilities of older workers, especially in being able to handle stress, finding solutions to problems, being creative, flexible, open to new ideas and getting along with people from different cultural backgrounds.

The older people are, the longer they see themselves working. In the EU generally, those aged 55 and over believe they can continue doing their job until they are 66, while younger people see themselves as getting out at 56.

But in Ireland, where more than half believe the retirement age needs to increase, most said they would be capable of continuing work until they reach the age of 62. But three quarters believe they should be able to continue in some kind of work after the official retirement age.