Not ready for retirement? So many people over 67 have jobs

In Germany, more and more older people over 67 still have a job.

Last year, 1.04 million employees were 67 years or older. Almost 600,000 still had a regular job by the age of 70. This is shown by the response of the Federal Government to a request from the left in the Bundestag, which the German Press Agency in Berlin has received.

Almost 220,000 were even at least 75 years old – and 72,000 employees at least 80 years old. 800,000 mini-jobbers are among the people in employment aged 67 and over. With the combination of pension and mini job, you do not have to take out social security and you do not have to pay taxes on the additional income.

A particularly large number of older people work in an office, as cleaning staff or drivers. Many older people – often in mini-jobs – also work in the areas of building technology, warehouse management and delivery. It is possible to combine several mini-jobs if the total earnings remain at 450 euros.

For years, labor market researchers have been discovering that people do not necessarily feel ready for retirement when they reach retirement age. On average, older people are also fitter than previous generations. In addition, skilled workers are in great demand and also sought after in old age. According to experts, women in particular are often dependent on additional earnings in addition to retirement.

Left parliamentary group leader Dietmar Bartsch, who made the request, told the dpa: “Of course there are employees who work voluntarily into old age, but for many it is the sheer financial need to have to earn something.” If people who are over 70, 75, 80 or even over 85 years old still have to work, it is a “tragedy”.

You can continue to work beyond your statutory retirement age, initially without retiring or as a pensioner.

The trend is more towards less work. In many places, projects are tested with the 4-day week.