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.