A significant increase in the number of retirees in Denmark choosing to remain in the workforce has been observed, with a reported 97,263 seniors working while receiving pensions by the end of 2025.
In Denmark, there has been a notable increase in the number of seniors retaining employment even after reaching the retirement age. As reported by the Danish Agency for Labour Market and Recruitment (STAR), by the end of 2025, 97,263 individuals were employed while also receiving their public pensions. This data reflects a continuing trend that contradicts the traditional expectation that reaching retirement age signifies a complete exit from the workforce.
Helle Dalsgaard, a senior advisor at Sampension, highlights that the previous norm of transitioning from a working life to retirement is no longer the case. Instead, there has been a significant boom in the number of working retirees over the past few years. This change indicates a shift in attitudes and practical choices among seniors in Denmark regarding their post-retirement employment.
The figures reveal a 10% annual increase and an impressive 49% growth over the past three years in this demographic's workforce participation. This trend not only reflects changes in policies that might favor continued employment but also suggests evolving societal perspectives on the capability and desire of seniors to contribute to the labor market long after traditional retirement age.
