Employment among older people
Author: Daria Litwin
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2026-05-20
Throughout Europe, population has been aging for years. The topic of old age, seniors, and the issue of ensuring them dignified living conditions sparks various discussions and is presented as a challenge for future generations. Data from the Central Statistical Office shows that in 2024, individuals over the age of 60 constituted 26.6% of the Polish population, and forecasts indicate that by 2050, this percentage may rise to 37%. Such prospects raise questions about the shape and efficiency of the pension system. Therefore, in our April survey, we asked seniors about issues related to professional activity and benefits. Our data shows that nearly one in five individuals receiving a pension (19%) remains professionally active.
Are you currently working while receiving pension benefits?
Responses from pension recipients (N=272).
We wanted to understand what motivates pension recipients to continue working. The most frequent reason was the desire to remain professionally active as long as possible (44%). Seniors less often indicated that they enjoyed their work (29%) or that they needed to supplement their pension (16%). Being in company with other people and other reasons appeared sporadically.
Why do you work? Please provide the most important reason.
Responses from pension recipients who work (N=50).
We asked professionally active individuals who both work and receive a pension about their planned time to end professional activity. The dominant attitude is the desire to continue working as long as possible: such a declaration was made by 63% of respondents. Among those indicating a specific age, the most frequently mentioned was 68 years old.
Until what age do you intend to work?
Responses from pension recipients who work (N=50).
More than half of the pension recipients who do not work believe they have worked enough in their lives (54%). More than a third (34%) would like to work, but their health does not allow it, and one-fifth do not work to have time for other activities (21%). Occasionally, respondents stated they do not work due to the need to care for others (5%), being supported by a spouse (4%), lack of work (2%), or running a household for children or grandchildren (2%).
Why don't you work?
Responses from pension recipients who do not work (N=221).
Percentages do not sum to 100 because respondents could indicate up to three answers.
Percentages do not sum to 100 because respondents could indicate up to three answers.
More information about this topic can be found in CBOS report in Polish: "Employment among older people", May 2026. Fieldwork for national sample: April 2026, N=944. The random sample is representative for adult population of Poland.
