Living Longer in an Ageing Europe: A Challenge for Individuals and Societies

Abstract

In the quest to address the ageing population, labour shortages and demographic decline, this article advocates the redistribution of work over the course of individuals’ lives. Work hours must be spread more evenly over a longer life span. In this way, individuals will have the time necessary to bear and rear children and will be able to offer their expertise later in life. With such a policy, the elderly population would be occupied and supportive of society and youth would have the opportunity to conceive and care for children during those years in which they are physically able to do so.