The senior population, defined as people 55 years or older, makes up almost one third of Norway’s population. This publication gives an overview of the senior population and their living conditions.
Demographics
Norway’s population has grown older in recent years. Life expectancy has steadily increased over the last decades for both genders. Despite the growing proportion of elderly people, Norway still has a relatively low proportion of elderly compared to other countries.
Education
The proportion of seniors with higher education has increased significantly in the last 20 years, while the gender gap in education levels has narrowed. Participation in courses and seminars is more common than participation in formal education.
Labour market and Pension
While nearly three out of four seniors aged 55–61 worked in 2023, this proportion is 49 percent for those aged 62–66, and 14 percent among those aged 67–74. For both men and women, enjoying work was the most common reason for continuing to work while drawing a pension.
Income
Seniors in Norway generally have good financial standing and high income. Many seniors have seen relatively good income growth over the past 10 years, although this is not the case for everyone. Income inequality within different age groups of the senior population has increased in the last decade. A larger proportion of people aged 55–85 now live with low income.
Housing Conditions
The vast majority of the senior population own their homes, have lower housing costs than younger people, and few live in cramped conditions. Most have an entrance on the first floor or an elevator. Seniors largely perceive their local environment as safe.
Health
Most seniors are in good health. They smoke less and are more active than before. At the same time, many suffer from chronic illnesses and health issues. Functional ability changes with age, and particularly from the age of 75. The use of care services increases significantly after the age of 80.
Time Use
Seniors spend more time on income-generating work than before and less time on household chores. Despite having less leisure time than before, seniors' free time has become more active. Men spend more time on income-generating work than women, while women do more household work than men.
Social Participation
time with family. The senior population has a slightly lower proportion involved in the voluntary sector, but they contribute more hours. They also report higher quality of life but poorer subjective health than the younger population.
Media Use
Seniors use traditional media (newspapers, radio, linear TV) to a much greater extent than younger people and are less likely to use digital media such as streaming services, audio media, and other online platforms. However, seniors are increasingly using digital media, and the time spent on the internet continues to rise.