Retirement

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.

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.

Explore data from this policy brief

• Data: Levels of worry about not having adequate income in old age