Population aging is a growing challenge for pension systems throughout Europe, seeking solutions to ensure their sustainability. “Getting ready for what’s coming” was the warning from an economist about the possible increase in the age of reform in Spain, inspired by a measure already approved in Denmark, which is leaving many workers apprehensive, according to the Digital Newcias Work Journal.
Alert released by an economist
Gonzalo Bernardos, a university professor and economic commentator, used the social network X to leave a warning about the future of the age of reform in Spain. Although currently the legal age is in 66 years and 8 months for those who discounted under 38 years and 3 months, the expert warns of possible changes in a nearby horizon.
In his warning, quoted by the same source, Bernarda recalls that the minimum to access the pension remains 15 years of discounts, but the European context and population aging can dictate changes that affect workers near the end of their career.
The Danish Example
The base of the alert is in a decision made in Denmark, where a law provides for the gradual increase in the age of the reform until the age of 70, to be applied from 2040.
The economist points out this measure as a possible reflection of what may happen in Spain, stating: “Earlier or later, we will follow the example of Denmark.” The phrase “preparing for what is coming” was the one that most worn, generating intense discussion on social networks.
A gradual and planned reform
The Danish decision is part of a broader reform of the social welfare system that began in 2006. It already foresaw the phased increase in age: of the current 67 years will go to 68 by 2030, 69 by 2035 and 70 by 2040, as referred to in the same source. The measure directly affects who was born from January 1, 1970 and was approved with 81 votes in favor and 21 against, ensuring its application without legal barriers.
Critical reactions and concerns on social networks
The ad caused strong online controversy. One of the most shared comments was: “I don’t see anyone with 70 years on a scaffold”, reflecting the fear that the decision does not consider the physical requirement of many professions.
Other netizens have questioned whether it is feasible to work even such advanced ages, remembering that life expectancy does not necessarily mean good health to maintain the same work rhythm.
Humor as a form of social criticism
The discussion also had moments of humor. One user mocked: “By the way, they put the age of reform in the 100 years,” quoted by the same source. Another published the image of smiling elderly people with the caption “on the way to work”, suggesting that the measure is seen by many as exaggerated.
A debate that is far from ending
The economist’s statements reopened a debate that crosses borders, according to the digital newspaper. The sustainability of pensions, the aging of the population and the reorganization of working time continue to require careful reflection and planning.
Also know, as a curiosity, that Denmark was a pioneer in Europe to automatically associate the age of reform with the average life expectancy. Already Spain began its first major reform of the pension system in 2011, gradually rising the age from 65 to 67 years. In addition, in Finland, there is a similar model that adjusts the age of reform not only to longevity but also to the financial balance of the pension system.
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