Sociologický časopis / Czech Sociological Review | DOI: 10.13060/csr.2025.031

An Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Transition to Economic Inactivity among the Population Aged 50–65 Using Data from the Labour Force Survey

Jiří Vyhlídal ORCID...
Výzkumný institut práce a sociálních věcí (RILSA)

The study focuses on the impacts of population ageing on the labour market in the Czech Republic, particularly the transition of older employees into economic inactivity. With declining fertility rates, the absolute number of individuals of working age (15–65 years) decreased over the period, even as the retirement age rose. This trend has created labour market shortages and threatens the sustainability of pension systems. Within the total working-age population, the proportion of individuals aged 50–65 remained stable at 30.7%. The primary objective of the study is to analyse the factors influencing older employees’ decisions to leave the labour market in the Czech Republic between 2013 and 2021. The study uses data from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and analyses trends in the labour market over the specified period for individuals aged 50–65. The key factors influencing the transition to inactivity include age, health status, and labour market position. Older workers with higher levels of education are less likely to exit the labour force, whereas health problems and unemployment significantly increase the likelihood of economic inactivity. Women, particularly those with lower levels of education, are more likely to become economically inactive, whereas men tend to remain in employment at older ages. The study recommends supporting lifelong learning, combating age discrimination, and promoting of good health for older workers.

Keywords: population ageing, employment, transition to inactivity, predictors of transition to inactivity

Received: March 13, 2025; Revised: November 6, 2025; Accepted: November 7, 2025; Prepublished online: December 17, 2025 

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