Live to be 100: yes, but at what cost?

The Landoy Club, a collective engaged in reflection on the demographic transition, published this Monday, November 25, 2024 the annual edition of its Aging France Barometer, produced in partnership with Ifop. This report highlights the perceptions of the French on the social and economic challenges linked to the aging of the population.

Increased life expectancy: French people enthusiastic but poorly prepared

According to the Barometer, 88% of respondents consider the increase in life expectancy to be progress. However, this optimism is qualified by a lucidity on the economic impactswith 78% of respondents anticipating “major issues” related to longevity and 69% who judge the social system to be poorly prepared for these changes.

Faced with the idea of live to be 100 years old, 59% of French people express a positive desirealthough this perspective also arouses'apprehension for some. However, the will to adopt concrete measures remains limited. Indeed, if the French wish to enjoy long retirements in good health, with a healthy life expectancy estimated at 78.7 years, they are not in favor of extending working hours.

The paradox of work and retirement

While themiddle age current of retirement is 63.5 yearsthe respondents on average wish to leave at age 59.1a significant gap compared to overall trends of longer working hours. This desire reflects a marked contrast between individual aspirations and the necessary collective adjustments to maintain a sustainable social modele.

Dependence, an issue that is still little anticipated

Despite the recognition of their future dependency by 65% ​​of French people, a majority have made no financial arrangements or assets to deal with it. Furthermore, the Barometer reveals that, for many, the preparation for retirement remains above all a financial concern: 74% of respondents place it at the top of their prioritieswell before health issues. Yet, only 32% have calculated their financial needs to maintain their standard of living in retirement.

Intergenerational: businesses on the front line

The report also highlights a strong demand for corporate initiatives. Nearly two thirds of employees say they are interested in workshops on preparing for retirement or financial education. Moreover, 84% of respondents consider it crucial to train managers in intergenerational inclusion. These figures point to a pressing need for support to cope with the demographic transition.

The demographic transition, a lever for innovation

Beyond the concerns and paradoxes noted by the Barometer, the demographic transition also offers an opportunity for social and economic innovation. This phenomenon can stimulate the creation of new products and services adapted to the needs of an aging population, while encouraging upgrading the skills of seniors on the labor market. By reorganizing career paths and promoting intergenerational policiescompanies and public actors could transform this challenge into engine of growth and solidarity.

The demographic transition is today an unavoidable reality which redefines our economy and our social model by introducing new stages of life. This phenomenon must inspire a profound collective questioning: our society and our businesses must react and adapt accordingly. The Landoy Barometer highlights a strong demand from employees: to be trained, informed and supported in the new stages of a longer life which they are looking forward to! On a collective scale, companies are an integral and necessary part of the reconciliation between individual responsibility and collective solidarity.

Sibylle Le Maire, executive director of Bayard, founder of Club Landoy

The Landoy Barometer of France Aging highlights both a great awareness of the challenge that the aging of the population represents for our economic and social system and at the same time a form of denial about the implications linked to working time or need for each of us to prepare financially for longevity. As Club Landoy identified as a pioneer, the solution lies with companies which have a vital educational role to play to help their employees prepare and become aware of the necessary adjustments in the face of an unprecedented demographic situation. This is about responding to a request from employees but also about protecting ourselves collectively against illusions that threaten our social model.

Maxime Sbaihi, strategic director of Club Landoy

Anticipating to age better: collective reflection necessary

For the authors of the Barometerthese results call for a collective awareness. As France ages, the Barometer Landoy highlights THE contradictions and challenges that await our society, while offering of the avenues of action for businesses and individuals. One thing is certain: anticipating this transition will be essential to guarantee a inclusive and supportive society in the face of these upheavals.

Download the full presentation of the Landoy Barometer of France Aging, 2024 edition