Berlin, April 16 – The number of working individuals aged 65 and over in Germany has seen a substantial increase of approximately 46% within the last five years, now reaching around 1.9 million. This data, released by the Federal Statistical Office in response to an inquiry from the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), also indicates a notable rise in employment among those over 70 and even over 75.
The Driving Forces Behind the Trend
This upward trend has been observed for several years. A primary factor is the gradual increase of the statutory retirement age from 65 to 67 years, which began in 2012. By 2025, the minimum retirement age had reached 66 years and two months. Early retirement typically incurs deductions, resulting in a permanently lower pension, which incentivizes more older individuals to continue working.
Financial Necessity vs. Personal Motivation
According to official statistics, only 1.28 million people over 65 were registered as employed in 2020. This figure steadily climbed to 1.88 million by 2025. Of these, 653,000 were in the 70-plus age group, compared to 469,000 in 2020. Approximately 229,000 individuals over the age of 75 were still working last year, an increase from 175,000 in 2020.
Experts identify various reasons why people continue to work in retirement. These include personal motivation, a shortage of skilled workers, and the desire or necessity to supplement their pensions. BSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht commented, “Working in old age is far too often not a free choice, but unfortunately a financial necessity.”
Comparative Analysis and Policy Implications
While acknowledging the positive aspect of companies utilizing the expertise of older workers, Wagenknecht emphasized, “The increase in numbers shows that hundreds of thousands of pensioners are simply forced to supplement their meager incomes.” She reiterated her recommendation for Germany to adopt the Austrian pension system as a model, where average pension payments are significantly higher, albeit with higher contribution rates.
A Small but Growing Share of the Workforce
It is important to note that despite the increase, the proportion of older workers remains relatively small. In 2025, there were approximately 18.4 million people over 65 in total. The Federal Statistical Office reported that the total number of employed individuals in households with primary residences was 42.5 million.
The growing number of working seniors underscores the evolving dynamics of Germany’s labor market and pension system, prompting ongoing discussions about financial security and the future of retirement.
