The article discusses the progress made in Finland regarding the average retirement age, which has now reached 63 years, ahead of the target set for 2025. This increase is attributed to various reforms made in retirement policies and has led to a higher employment rate among older individuals. In 2009, unions and the government agreed to raise the average retirement age from 59.4 to at least 62.4 years, and recent data shows that Finns are retiring nearly a year later than anticipated.

The positive trend reinforces the sustainability of Finland's pension system and enhances tax revenues for both state and municipal levels. According to Mikko Kautto, CEO of the Finnish Centre for Pensions, several adjustments to pension system rules have contributed to this development. Initially, the phasing out of unemployment pensions played a significant role in delaying retirements, followed by the raising of statutory retirement ages as well.

Looking ahead, the article notes that the gradual removal of the 'pension pipeline'—a system of additional unemployment benefits for older workers—will further influence retirement trends in the country. The Finnish approach serves as a model for balancing labor market participation among older workers while ensuring long-term sustainability of pension systems.