Only 32% continue to retirement age (65 for men and 64 for women), and 10% carry on working beyond that age, wrote the paper, citing a survey by the Swisscanto pension fund specialist.
NZZ am Sonntag said the high number of people taking early retirement is rather surprising. The trend goes against current political thinking, which is towards raising the retirement age because of funding problems in the state pension scheme. According to the survey, raising the retirement age to over 65 is likely to continue meeting strong public resistance.
The survey is based on 535 pension funds or collective foundations with some CHF700 billion ($708 billion) in assets.
Swisscanto board member René Raths also expressed concern to the newspaper. He says that longer life expectancy means longer retirement, and that in 2035, there will be only 2.3 working people funding one pensioner, compared with nearly 4 at present.
People who retire early do so on average one and a half years before reaching retirement age, which is a sign of prosperity in Switzerland, according to Raths.
There may also be other reasons, the paper pointed out. “We see that there is a considerable proportion of employees over 60 who are worn out and have reached their health limits,” explains Matthias Kuert Killer of the Travail Suisse labour union. He says physical work, such as in the building industry, or stress induced by digitalisation in all sectors, are contributing factors.
While concerns continue over state pension funding, private pension funds have returned to financial health, posting healthy surpluses according to Swisscanto.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
Swiss rediscover communist zeal after 84-year hiatus
This content was published on
Over 300 participants founded the Revolutionary Communist Party (RKP) at its congress in Burgdorf in canton Bern at the weekend.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Berset pushes for tax-hike to solve pension problems
This content was published on
Swiss President Alain Berset has defended his proposed pension reform plans, which include a 1.7% increase in valued-added tax (VAT) to fund it.
This content was published on
The Swiss government on Friday fixed the outlines of a new state pension reform plan, including raising the retirement age for women from 64 to 65.
This content was published on
A combination of several factors led to the rejection of a major reform of the old age pension scheme at the ballot box last September.
This content was published on
Since 2001, the Swiss Council for the Elderly has given this growing sector of the population a means of being heard. But challenges still lie ahead.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.