One-quarter of senior citizens in Romania are at risk of poverty and social exclusion

Nearly one in four Romanians over the age of 65 is at risk of poverty and social exclusion. With a rate of 24.8%, Romania is above the EU average of 18.3% and ranks among the highest in Europe, alongside several countries in Southern and Eastern Europe, according to 2025 Eurostat.

The highest rates of risk of poverty and social exclusion among older adults are recorded in Lithuania (38.5%), Croatia (37.9%), and Latvia (34.8%), while at the opposite end of the spectrum are the Czech Republic (8.1%) and Denmark (8.4%).

The situation is even more challenging for the 55–64 age group. In Romania, 27% of people in this group are at risk of poverty and social exclusion, placing the country fourth in the European Union, behind Lithuania (33.4%), Latvia (28.5%), and Greece (27.5%).

Romania Ranks Among the Lowest in Employment Rates for People Over 55

Eurostat data also indicate low labor force participation among older adults in Romania. In 2025, only 57% of Romanians aged 55 and older were employed—one of the lowest rates in the EU—despite a six-percentage-point increase compared to the 2023–2025 period.

In the European rankings, Romania is surpassed only by Luxembourg (49.5%) and Croatia (54.9%). At the other end of the spectrum are Sweden (78.3%), Estonia (77%), and the Netherlands (75.8%).

Retirement leads to an almost complete exit from the labor market

Across Europe, the employment rate declines after age 60, and many employees choose to retire before or immediately after reaching the legal retirement age. In Romania, this trend is even more pronounced.

According to Eurostat data for 2023, only 0.8% of Romanians who have reached retirement age chose to continue working without major changes to their working conditions. This is the lowest percentage in the European Union. Romania is followed by Croatia (1.2%), Greece (1.7%), and Spain (1.9%). In contrast, the highest rates of continued employment after retirement are recorded in Estonia (45.4%), Latvia (40.7%), and Lithuania (32.9%).

Keeping Older Workers in the Workforce: A Solution for Reducing the Risk of Poverty

Promoting employment opportunities for people over 55 is essential for reducing the risk of poverty both at the time of retirement and after leaving the workforce. This objective can be supported by policies that discourage early retirement and encourage extending working lives. At the same time, employment policies must continue to support the hiring and retention of workers in the middle and later stages of their careers. In this context, promoting lifelong learning and improving the quality of jobs for older workers remain priorities.

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Data source: EUROSTAT

· Employment rate of older workers: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/view/tesem050/default/table

· Retirees who continue to work: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/product/view/lfso_23pens06?lang=en&category=labour.employ.lfso.lfso_23

· Risk of poverty and social exclusion among older persons: https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/databrowser/product/page/ilc_peps01n__custom_18810158

Data processing and text drafting: Delia Bădoi

Infographic: Pascalone Media SRL

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