Poland's growing number of working retirees highlights outdated retirement age

Data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) show that the share of retirees who remain employed is rising sharply. By the end of 2025, 879,500 pensioners were covered by health insurance on the basis of activity other than receiving a pension, up from 575,400 in 2015 – an increase of about 53 %. The average age of a working retiree is now around 68 years. At the same time, 552,700 retirees paid pension and disability contributions in 2025, compared with 371,900 in 2015.

Although Polish law sets the statutory retirement age at 60 for women and 65 for men, many seniors continue working in sectors such as services, trade, administration, health care, education, logistics, manufacturing and small‑business entrepreneurship. They do so to supplement low pension income, cover living costs, or simply stay active. Employers value their experience, especially in smaller towns, but the trend raises concerns about the long‑term sustainability of the pension system.