Remember when retirement meant sipping margaritas on a beach at 62 with zero emails, a pension check, and enough free time to actually read that book you bought in 2014? Yeah, not so much anymore. Denmark just dropped a headline-grabbing move by raising its retirement age to 70—yes, seven-zero—and it’s not just a one-off. All over the globe, countries are slowly, sneakily nudging their retirement ages upward like we wouldn’t notice if they did it in tiny increments.
Why? Longer life spans, aging populations, shaky pension funds, and a dash of “sorry, not sorry” from policymakers. It’s giving “you’ll retire when you’re dead” energy, and frankly, we’re all a little tired just thinking about it. So if you thought Denmark was the only one making you wait longer for your golden years, buckle up. Here are 14 other places quietly stretching the finish line, one policy tweak at a time.
1. Denmark: The New Gold Standard (or Should We Say, Gray Standard?)
Denmark has officially clinched the title for the highest retirement age in Europe. By 2040, Danes born after December 31, 1970, will need to work until they’re 70 to receive a state pension. This move is part of a policy linking retirement age to life expectancy, which currently averages 81.7 years in Denmark.
While the government argues this is necessary to keep public finances sustainable, not everyone is on board. Manual laborers and trade unions have voiced concerns, arguing that the physical demands of their jobs make working until 70 unrealistic. Critics also point out the disparity between the new retirement rules and the more favorable pension entitlements for longtime politicians, some of whom can retire at 60. And according to Business Insider, there’s growing public resentment about how these reforms disproportionately affect lower-income workers, who statistically have shorter life expectancies. In a country known for equality, many see this shift as a step backward, not forward.
2. France: Vive la Résistance (to Retirement Age Hikes)
France isn’t taking retirement age increases lying down. In 2023, President Emmanuel Macron signed into law a reform raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, sparking massive protests and strikes across the country, according to AP News.
The French are fiercely protective of their retirement benefits, and this move was seen as a direct attack on their way of life. Despite the backlash, the government insists the reform is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the pension system amid an aging population. But try telling that to the millions who flooded the streets. Strikes shut down schools, transportation, and even garbage collection in Paris. For many, this wasn’t just about numbers on paper—it was about preserving a core part of the French social contract. And honestly, only the French could make fighting for retirement look this stylish.
3. Germany: Slow and Steady Wins the Race (to 67)
Germany is taking a gradual approach to increasing its retirement age. The statutory retirement age is set to rise from 65 to 67 by 2031, affecting those born after 1964.
This slow climb is designed to give workers time to adjust and plan accordingly. However, with a rapidly aging population and a shrinking workforce, some experts argue that even more drastic measures may be needed in the future to maintain economic stability. In fact, a recent report from DW warned that without further reforms, Germany could face a pension crisis that puts pressure on younger generations. Meanwhile, policymakers are debating whether incentives—like tax breaks or partial pension payouts—might be enough to coax workers into staying on longer.
4. Japan: The Land of the Rising Retirement Age
Japan, known for its aging population, is also adjusting its retirement policies. As of April 2025, companies will be required to ensure employment until age 65.
This move aims to address labor shortages and support older workers financially. Additionally, some companies are voluntarily extending retirement ages even further, recognizing the value and experience that senior employees bring to the workforce. As WEF points out, Japan’s emphasis is shifting from just keeping older people employed to ensuring they have meaningful work that aligns with their capabilities. This cultural shift could turn Japan into a blueprint for aging societies everywhere—just don’t expect any early golf retirements anytime soon.
5. United Kingdom: Mind the (Retirement) Gap
The UK is also on the path to increasing its retirement age. Currently set at 66, it’s scheduled to rise to 67 between May 2026 and March 2028. Projections suggest it could reach 68 by 2044.
Experts warn that these changes may not be sufficient to address the financial pressures of an aging population. Some suggest that the retirement age may need to rise to 71 for younger generations, sparking debates about the fairness and feasibility of such a move. According to The Independent, younger Brits are increasingly skeptical about whether they’ll ever see a state pension at all. This has sparked a surge in private pension contributions among millennials and Gen Z—because apparently, working till 70 wasn’t dystopian enough without having to self-fund it too.
6. Australia: Slowly but Surely
Australia is gradually increasing its retirement age. The Age Pension eligibility age is set to rise to 67 by July 2023. This change reflects the country’s efforts to adapt to longer life expectancies and ensure the sustainability of its pension system.
While the increase is relatively modest compared to other countries, it still represents a significant shift for Australians planning their retirement. The government emphasizes the importance of personal savings and superannuation to supplement the Age Pension. For many Australians, this means recalibrating their expectations around when they can truly stop working. There’s also growing interest in phased retirement options and part-time work for older adults who don’t want—or can’t afford—a hard stop at 67.
7. Canada: A Flexible Approach
Canada has taken a more flexible approach to retirement. While the standard age to receive the Old Age Security pension is 65, Canadians can choose to delay receiving it up to age 70, resulting in higher monthly payments.
This flexibility allows individuals to tailor their retirement plans based on personal circumstances. However, with an aging population, discussions continue about whether the standard retirement age should be increased to maintain the pension system’s viability. Many Canadians are also turning to personal retirement savings accounts and employer pensions to bridge potential income gaps. There’s an increasing push for public education around financial literacy to help younger workers make smarter retirement choices early.
8. South Korea: Facing the Future
South Korea is grappling with the challenges of an aging population and low birth rates. The official retirement age is 60, but many workers continue employment beyond that age, often out of necessity.
The government is considering policies to encourage later retirement and support older workers, recognizing the need to adapt to demographic changes. Efforts include promoting age-friendly workplaces and offering retraining programs for senior employees. There’s also a national conversation around ageism and how older workers can continue to contribute meaningfully in evolving industries. Many Koreans are exploring second careers or entrepreneurial ventures as part of their post-retirement life.
9. Italy: Adjusting with Life Expectancy
Italy’s retirement age is linked to life expectancy, with adjustments made accordingly. As of 2024, the retirement age is set at 67, reflecting the country’s efforts to balance pension sustainability with demographic realities.
The government continues to monitor life expectancy trends and make necessary adjustments to the retirement age, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of the pension system while addressing public concerns. There’s ongoing debate about fairness—especially for workers in physically demanding jobs who may not realistically reach that age. Italy’s strong labor unions are pushing for reforms that recognize different life paths and work types. Meanwhile, many younger Italians are skeptical about whether a state pension will even exist when they retire.
10. Spain: Incremental Increases
Spain is gradually increasing its retirement age. By 2027, the retirement age will reach 67, with the transition occurring in phases. This approach allows workers and employers to adapt to the changes over time.
The government emphasizes the importance of maintaining the pension system’s sustainability while considering the well-being of its aging population. Public discourse continues around the balance between necessary reforms and social equity. There’s concern that the reforms will widen the gap between high-income and low-income workers, who face very different retirement outcomes. As a result, Spain is seeing rising demand for private pension plans and early retirement buyouts.
11. Netherlands: Linking to Life Expectancy
The Netherlands has implemented a policy linking retirement age to life expectancy. As of 2024, the retirement age is set at 67, with future increases tied to changes in life expectancy.
This approach aims to create a more sustainable pension system by automatically adjusting the retirement age in response to demographic shifts. The policy has sparked discussions about the implications for workers in physically demanding jobs and the need for flexibility. Dutch employers are increasingly exploring ergonomic workplace upgrades to retain aging staff. Citizens are also becoming more aware of the need to plan for a longer work life, both financially and mentally.
12. Sweden: A Model of Flexibility
Sweden offers a flexible retirement system, allowing individuals to retire between ages 62 and 68, with pension amounts adjusted accordingly. This flexibility encourages longer workforce participation while accommodating personal choices.
The Swedish model is often cited as a successful example of balancing pension sustainability with individual autonomy. However, ongoing debates focus on ensuring adequate support for those unable to work longer due to health or job conditions. The government continues to tweak its system to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Swedish companies are also praised for offering gradual retirement programs, where older workers slowly reduce hours instead of stopping all at once.
13. Norway: Encouraging Extended Work Life
Norway has implemented policies to encourage extended workforce participation. The retirement age is flexible, starting at 62, but with incentives to work longer, such as increased pension benefits.
The government promotes active aging and supports older workers through training programs and age-friendly workplace initiatives. These efforts aim to address the challenges of an aging population while maintaining economic productivity. Norwegian culture places a high value on staying active into old age, both mentally and physically. Retirement in Norway is increasingly viewed as a transition rather than an end, with more people choosing part-time work or civic engagement after leaving full-time jobs.
14. Finland: Gradual Adjustments
Finland is gradually increasing its retirement age, with the goal of reaching 65 by 2027. The country also links retirement age to life expectancy, ensuring the system adapts to demographic changes.
The Finnish approach emphasizes sustainability and fairness, with policies designed to support older workers and provide flexibility in retirement planning. Public discussions continue around balancing economic needs with social equity. Many Finns are beginning to reevaluate what retirement actually looks like, with growing interest in volunteer work, community involvement, and remote part-time roles. Finland’s social safety net is also being updated to ensure that later retirement doesn’t mean lower quality of life for vulnerable populations.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult a financial professional before making investment or other financial decisions. The author and publisher make no warranties of any kind.
