Overview

• New official tally shows about 13.4 million people will reach the statutory age of 67 by 2039, equal to roughly 31% of today’s labor force.
• Babyboomers remain the largest group with about 10 million workers aged 55–64, outnumbering the 45–54, 35–44 and 25–34 cohorts at 9.3, 9.8 and 9.0 million.
• Employment among 55–64-year-olds rose from about 65% in 2014 to roughly 75% in 2024, yet many still retire early for health, entitlement or lifestyle reasons.
• Berlin plans an Aktivrente allowing up to €2,000 per month tax-free for work beyond the statutory age, with a reform commission to begin in 2026.
• Researchers warn of a substantial labor shortfall, with IAB projecting a net loss of about seven million workers over 15 years and metal-electro firms cutting 154,000 jobs since 2023.