Journal Article
Redistributing work in aging Europe
Vaupel, J. W., Loichinger, E.
Science, 312:5782, 1911–1913 (2006)
Abstract
As Europe ages, the proportion of people who work will decline unless older individuals remain in the labor force. Such reform could be part of a more general redistribution of work. If a greater share of the population worked, then the average number of hours worked per week could be reduced. This could particularly help younger people and increase Europe´s low birth rates. The challenges facing Germany, Europe´s most populous country, are highlighted, but statistics are also given for five other European countries and, for comparison, the United States. Social science research is needed to provide policy-relevant knowledge about life-course options.
Keywords: Europe, ageing