Germans face longer work years as life expectancy barely rises by 2030

Life expectancy for 65-year-olds in Germany has remained almost unchanged over the past decade, while the statutory retirement age continues to rise. By 2030, men and women can expect to live only slightly longer—yet the age at which they can claim a full pension is increasing faster than these gains.

Regional differences also play a role, with some states showing significantly higher life spans than others at 65.

In 2024, a 65-year-old German could expect to live another 19.4 years on average—the same figure as ten years earlier. However, projections suggest a modest increase by 2030: men may gain an extra year of life, while women could see an eight-month rise.

The gap between regions is striking. In Baden-Württemberg, 65-year-old women now have a life expectancy of 21.5 years, compared to just 20.2 years in Saarland. For men, the difference is even wider: 18.6 years in Baden-Württemberg versus 16.6 years in Saxony-Anhalt. Meanwhile, the statutory retirement age is climbing from 65 to 67 by 2030—a two-year jump. The government has not ruled out further increases, stating that the Pensions Commission is still reviewing the issue. Critics argue that extending working years could worsen inequality. Heidi Reichinnek, co-leader of the Left Party's parliamentary group, warned that higher retirement ages may disproportionately affect those with shorter life expectancies. Left Party lawmaker Sarah Vollath also challenged the assumption that people must work longer simply because average lifespans are rising.

The gap between retirement age and life expectancy is widening, with regional disparities adding another layer of complexity. By 2030, Germans will work longer for only modest gains in longevity. The government's next steps on pension policy will determine whether further increases are introduced—and how they might impact different parts of the country.