Life expectancy rising more slowly than thought; 65 y.o. in 2032 will live 21 more years

The life expectancy for people in the Netherlands is rising again after the coronavirus pandemic, but the rate of increase is slower than anticipated. Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has therefore adjusted its life expectancy for 2032. People who turn 65 years old in 2032 are expected to live another 21.08 years, down from 21.14 years estimated last year, the statistics office reported on Friday.

The government uses this figure to determine future state pension (AOW) age increases. The current state pension age is set at 67 years for the period from 2024 through 2027, and at 67 years and 3 months for 2028 through 2031. The Minister of Social Affairs and Employment will determine the AOW age for 2032 based on the projected life expectancy for 65-year-olds in that year.

Between 1950 and 2019, the life expectancy of 65-year-olds increased from 14.3 years to 20.1 years. Due to higher mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, the life expectancy fell to 19.7 years in both 2020 and 2021.

In 2022, life expectancy started rising again, climbing to 19.7 years. By 2025, it reached 20.1 years. “Looking ahead, life expectancy is expected to continue increasing, reaching 21.08 years by 2032,” CBS said.

Life expectancy for women is higher than for men. In 2025, the difference at age 65 was 1.9 years. Men have returned to the life expectancy levels they saw in 2019, before the pandemic. Women have not reached that point yet.