Pensions and mini jobs: Why work over 1.3 million Germans in old age

Pensions and mini jobs: Why work over 1.3 million Germans in old age

The motivation of the working seniors in Germany

Berlin -In Germany, over 1.3 million of the 18.6 million old -age pensioners are actively employed, as the latest statistics in German pension insurance show. These numbers not only illustrate the financial challenges of older people, but also take a look at the motives to continue to work. As of December 31, 2022, around 1 million of these pensioners have a mini job, while around 300,000 are more than marginalized.

Financial need versus joie de vivre

The left-wing MP Matthias W. Birkwald described it as "unbearable" that many pensioners rely on supplementary jobs because pensions in Germany are so low on average. In 2022, the average pension for those with at least 35 years of insurance was just under 1,400 euros per month. This lower pension amount is often resulting from the individual income and the corresponding deposits in the pension fund.

a new picture of pension life

In an answer to an AfD request in July, however, the Federal Government pointed out an analysis of the Institute for Labor Market and Vocational Research (IAB). This shows that many seniors do not only work for financial reasons. Instead, they often indicate that they enjoy working, maintain social contacts and want to deal sensibly. These aspects are essential factors in the working life of older people and draw a differentiated picture of the pension.

The importance of work integration

The fact that so many pensioners pursue employment also has an impact on society. The integration of these seniors into the world of work not only brings financial benefits for individuals, but also promotes social cohesion and economic stability. It is important to observe these trends to take targeted political measures that can improve the quality of life of older people.