Czech Republic

Abstract

Ever-extending lifespans and low birth-rates (about 1.5 child per woman) contribute to the ageing of Czech society. By 2060, it is expected that just over one third of the Czech population will be aged 65 or over. By the 2060s, Czechs will be expected to retire at age 69 or later. Even with later retirement, the percentage of people entitled to an old-age pension will increase so that by the 2050s, approximately 28% of people may qualify for an old-age pension, compared with today's 20%. Changes in demographic composition will also influence other indicators: the average age around 2050 might be between 48-50 years, about ten years more than now. Politicians, managers and society leaders aim to find ways to successfully face this demographic challenge and enable everybody to have a sufficient level of economic, social, and health care provision. Most crucial in the near future is the adaptation of employment policies and pension reform. This chapter describes the situation regarding the employment of people over 50 years in the Czech Republic, research focused on extending working life, employment policies and characteristics of the pension system, paying special attention to gender differences.