A higher retirement age has negative effects on both physical and mental health, according to a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin). The researchers compared health data from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) of women born in 1951 and 1952. Women born in 1951 could retire at the age of 60 under certain conditions, while those born in 1952 could only retire at the age of 63. The study found that a higher retirement age negatively affects health, with women born in 1952 more likely to suffer from stress-related illnesses and mood disorders than those born in 1951.
The researchers, Mara Barschkett, Johannes Geyer, and Peter Haan, suggest that preventive health and education investments are necessary to address the negative health effects of a higher retirement age. They argue that targeted health care should begin early in a person’s career to strengthen workers and make it easier for them to switch to less physically demanding jobs as they age. Additionally, they suggest that age-appropriate workspaces are necessary to ensure that older workers can continue to work.
Rentenexperte Geyer also suggests that reforms and improvements to the disability pension are necessary to address the fact that many people are unable to work in their later years, even with good preventive measures. He argues that any increase in the retirement age should be accompanied by these reforms.
The study highlights the importance of considering the health effects of retirement policies and the need for preventive measures to ensure that workers can continue to work and maintain their health as they age.
