Evidence towards longer and healthier work careers

This policy brief explores the challenges and opportunities for extending and improving late-career outcomes among older adults in Europe. Using EU-SILC 2021 data across 27 countries, the study analyzes six key indicators: unemployment, non-employment, occupational status, disposable income, poverty risk, and life satisfaction. It identifies education, health, and family situation as major individual-level factors, while regional economic conditions and access to care services shape contextual disparities. The findings underscore the need for integrated policies promoting lifelong learning, quality employment, health support, and income security. Targeted interventions are recommended to reduce inequalities and support longer, healthier work lives for Europe’s ageing population.