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Last updated: 3 December 2024

Retirement

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3 December 2024
Age and quality of life: Who are the winners and losers?

Much policy is developed and operationalised through the prism of age, and addressing differences in the economic and social circumstances of different age groups is an ongoing concern of policymakers. This policy brief looks at inequalities in the quality of life of Europeans across six age groups. It examines developments between 2011 and 2016 to assess whether the impact of the economic crisis on quality of life has decreased with the economic recovery, for which age groups and in what countries. The analysis finds that, broadly speaking, older generations enjoy better quality of life than younger age groups in western Europe, while in eastern Europe the younger generations are better off.

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Policy brief
30 November 2024
Social insecurities and resilience

Feelings of insecurity in several dimensions of life are widespread in the EU population, even among those who are materially well-off. Policymakers need to take these insecurities into account to better understand the concerns and dissatisfactions of citizens. This knowledge can inform and enhance social and employment policymaking. This policy brief examines people’s insecurity in five areas: personal, housing, healthcare, employment and income in old age. It identifies where intensity differs among people depending on characteristics such as age, gender and economic circumstances. The brief concludes that offsetting social insecurities depends on more than individual resilience.

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Policy brief

Eurofound has been analysing occupational health and safety since the 1990s and recognises that health issues are a central part of an organisation’s structure and development, for workers and employers alike. Analysis of survey data has been carried out to investigate the links between working conditions and health and safety. This is done in close consultation with the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHAopens in new tab). Eurofound has a cooperation agreement with EU-OSHA which sets out opportunities for joint activities in this area and for further forms of exchange.

Eurofound’s surveys and other research also aim to capture people’s perceptions of their quality of life and mental health.

Physical health, mental health and well-being

Health and mental health are important components associated with a person’s quality of life and longevity, as well as their ability to work. The European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) covers subjective well-being, health and access to healthcare, and aspects of individual quality of life including work–life balance and care responsibilities. It investigates the links between having to work while also having care responsibilities and the resulting impact on well-being. 

Eurofound’s unique e-survey, Living and Working in the EU, launched in 2020 at the outset of COVID-19, explores the impact of the changes that occurred during the course of the pandemic on people’s lives. It includes questions on people’s work situation, teleworking, experiences of working from home and the impact on work–life balance, as well as job quality, health and safety at work, mental health and access to healthcare services.

Research in 2025 looks at the prevalence of poor mental health for different population groups, driven by various dimensions such as social media use, changing work environments and climate change. The research identifies barriers in access to mental health services. It also investigates policy measures in mental health services, and actions taken outside these services (such as in schools or working environments), to prevent or address mental health problems.

Physical health, mental health and well-being

Health and mental health are important components associated with a person’s quality of life and longevity, as well as their ability to work. The European Quality of Life Survey (EQLS) covers subjective well-being, health and access to healthcare, and aspects of individual quality of life including work–life balance and care responsibilities. It investigates the links between having to work while also having care responsibilities and the resulting impact on well-being. 

Eurofound’s unique e-survey, Living and Working in the EU, launched in 2020 at the outset of COVID-19, explores the impact of the changes that occurred during the course of the pandemic on people’s lives. It includes questions on people’s work situation, teleworking, experiences of working from home and the impact on work–life balance, as well as job quality, health and safety at work, mental health and access to healthcare services.

Research in 2025 looks at the prevalence of poor mental health for different population groups, driven by various dimensions such as social media use, changing work environments and climate change. The research identifies barriers in access to mental health services. It also investigates policy measures in mental health services, and actions taken outside these services (such as in schools or working environments), to prevent or address mental health problems.

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