Overview
- Friday’s reporting from El Periódico captured a surge in 50‑plus workers saying they want to retire sooner, with testimonies describing deep fatigue after decades on the job.
- Surveys in Spain reinforce the trend, with 75% opposing a higher retirement age and six in ten saying they want to stop before 67.
- Rules now push later exits, with Spain’s legal age set to reach 67 in 2027 as early retirements fell to 27% in 2025 from 44% in 2015.
- Clinicians and sociologists blamed burnout from always‑on digital work, heavier workloads, age bias inside firms, and “sandwich” care duties for aging parents and grown children.
- Experts urged two tracks forward: redesign jobs to use senior know‑how and allow flexible roles, and help people plan financially and psychologically for a purpose‑led retirement that can include optional part‑time work.