The Emergence of Retirement

Abstract

In the previous chapter we explored various dimensions of an ageing society, examining the range of conditions attached to the designation ‘old’ or ‘retired’. In this chapter a further element will be introduced: namely, the gradual removal of older people from the labour market.¹ Historically, ageing and retirement are closely intertwined, the growth in the number of elderly people influencing both the development of pension systems and formal retirement ages. However, the relationship between demographic changes and those connected with work and employment are more subtle than this statement would suggest, for alterations in the supply and demand for labour exert an independent force on retirement patterns.