Spain

This chapter describes recent developments and debates onWorker older older workers’Older workers participation in the labour force, retirement decisionsRetirement decisions and the pension system in SpainSpain , from a socialSocial class classClass , healthHealth and gender perspectiveGender perspective . SpainSpain is one of the most aged countries in the world. However, the SpanishSpanish population has one of the lowest levels of employment among people aged 50+ in Europe. Women retire later than menMen , mainly because they cannot afford to retire earlier. Women have a lower probability of achieving the requisite minimum contributions that give them the right to receive a pension. For women transition to post-employment life depends on perceiving retirement as forced upon them for family reasons or the need to careCaring, care, caregiving for other family membersFamily member in poor healthPoor health . HealthHealth is an important variable in determining the rate of activity among people under 60 years old, however this becomes less important as the incentives of the pension system become more evident. Women are more likely to have temporary work contracts, greater job insecurityJob insecurity and more exposure to emotional pressure. If women also careCaring, care, caregiving for relatives, extending working lifeWorking life may further worsen their mental and physicalHealth healthHealth physical status.