Longer careers may leave younger, disadvantaged workers spending more years in poor health

MedicalXpress | 八月 04, 2026

The average age of the German population is rising. Coupled with the growing labor shortage, these demographic trends pose major challenges for pension systems. According to proposals from the Pension Security Commission, the state pension age is to be gradually linked to rising life expectancy from 2032 onward. However, this will only work if people remain fit for work even in old age. Until now, there has been little scientific evidence in Germany as to whether, and for whom, a further extension of working life is feasible from a health perspective.