Fifty years ago, in the mid-1970s, average life expectancy in Ireland was around 72 years of age. People’s lifespan post-retirement was thus typically short enough, even if many who made it past retirement age would have beaten the average at the time.
In 2026, average life expectancy has risen by more than 10 years and over-65s are more active, generally more content and more likely to still be in the workforce. The so-called “ Third Age” is a reality for ever-increasing numbers, who can hope not only to live longer but also to remain active and engaged in society.
The latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) tells the story. The number of over-65s at work has risen by almost one third since 2022 to reach 135,000 – which is around 16 per cent of the total population in that age group. There is no information on why they are doing so, but it is fair to assume that it is a mix of necessity and choice. The increase in the State pension retirement age to 66 will be a factor for some, along with the need to boost pension entitlements. Others like their work and feel fit enough to continue.
Interestingly, more than one third of over-64s considered their life satisfaction to be high, compared with just over one in five of 25 to 49 year-olds. On the flip side, over 3 per cent are judged to be living in poverty and higher fuel costs will be an issue for some in the months ahead.
RM Block
State policy has adjusted, to an extent, to longer life spans, with the small increase in the retirement age – further planned rises were abandoned due to political pressure – and flexibility for people to delay receipt of their pension up to the age of 70. Mandatory pension auto-enrolment will, in time, boost post retirement income.
More will be needed. The number of over-65s is set to double in the next 30 years, with wide-ranging implications for healthcare, housing and the structure of State spending and taxation. The grey vote will become increasingly powerful. And over-65s are up for the fight; up to the age of 74, four in ten engage in some form of “muscle strengthening exercise” at least once a week.
