The number of 65 year old Dutch people still in paid work more than doubled between 2012 and 2022, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS).

At the end of last year, 44 per cent of Dutch 65 year olds were in work, the statistics revealed.

This is a 27 percentage point increase on the 17 per cent that were in paid employment at the end of 2012.

NIDI researcher, Harry van Dalen, explained: “First of all, thinking about working longer has changed.

“You used to be expected to drop everything at 65 and go after the geraniums. You were actually written off.

“It is now much more accepted to continue working, especially as a higher educated person with a 'sedentary job' that you can practice for a long time to come.

“This is of course also because older people feel fitter. Today's 60s feel like the 50s of the past."

Furthermore, a shrinking labour force also played a role, according to van Dalen, as employers are more restricted in the pool of talent available.

Research from NIDI found that one in four Dutch people in their 60s indicated that they would want to continue to work longer.

However, the form of work can vary, van Dalen noted: "It's hard to see a red line here. Some just keep working full time, while others work fewer hours.

“In general, you see that older people want a different work-life balance; less work pressure and more free time.

“They think it's important to be of value, but the work must above all be fun. That is why you see that they continue to work, but in a completely different sector or function."

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