Work and Income in the Third Age - an EU Perspective*

The main purpose of this short article is to provide an overview of the key policy issues with regard to the equation that lies at the heart of considerations of the present and future roles of the third age: work and income. Although they are often treated as distinct policy issues work and income, of course, are intertwined - especially as in all industrial societies “work” is invariably defined narrowly as paid employment and, in turn, this is the primary source of income for those of “working age”. The third age is a transitional status in which both sides of the work/income equation may be subject to permanent changes and, furthermore, these may result from either individual choice on the part of third-agers or from factors entirely beyond their control. What is certain, however, is that a successful policy towards the third age must take a comprehensive view of both sides of the equation. Therefore, after considering the key issues concerning work and income in the third age, across the EU, I will, in conclusion, address their interrelationship.