Netherlands residents now working 2.5 years longer versus a decade ago

Researchers discovered people in the Netherlands are working roughly 30 months more before deciding to retire, compared to a similar study released a decade ago. They generally remain in good health while doing so, according to a new study by Dutch public health institute RIVM.

The RIVM analyzed workers aged 55 and above in three separate years: 2010, 2015, and 2019. In 2010, people of that age worked an average of 8.5 more years, compared with an estimated 11 years for those who were 55 in 2019.

In other words, today’s older workers are staying in the workforce about 2.5 years longer than their counterparts from 2010. The institute indicated that the workers typically do so while remaining in solid physical and mental shape.

Although the findings indicate that many people retain both the physical and mental capacity to do their jobs well into later life, there remains a clear need to focus on groups that are more likely to struggle working their jobs later in life. This includes individuals with demanding, labor-intensive roles, and those with whose education did not include training or preparation for shifting responsibilities.

At present, once people reach age 55, they typically work about 1.5 more years if they are in poorer condition. Those with a diminished ability to perform their jobs are likely to remain in the workforce for another 2.5 years.

According to the RIVM, workers in physically or mentally taxing fields, including agriculture, industry, and education, will require sustained support. Researchers determined they are more likely to remain on the job despite declining health.

The institute notes that both employers and the government have a key role to play, whether by reducing the strain of the work, providing tailored assistance, or allowing these employees to step away from the workforce sooner.