ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by outlining the salient features of Spain’s socio-demographic context, in particular the marked aging of the population and the foreseeable rise in the dependency rate in the coming years, as well as the immediate impact of these trends on the labor market and retirement and pension systems. We then go on to look at the conditioning factors that affect work-life extension policies and practices, and the obstacles in the way of their adoption. In the third place, we provide data on early and compulsory retirement in Spain in recent years, and a description of the legal alternatives available to those wishing to continue working, such as partial or flexible retirement. Finally, we sketch the current state of work-life extension in Spain, illustrating the scant possibilities available and experiences of voluntary working after retirement. The chapter ends with some conclusions and our recommendations on the future of bridge employment in Spain.
