Taiwan's Employed Elderly Surge Past 500,000, Marking Historic High
Taiwan has officially entered a "super-aged society," with individuals over 65 representing 20.06% of the population. This demographic shift is significantly impacting the labor market, with the number of employed individuals aged 65 and above growing by 84% over the past decade, from 250,000 in 2015 to 460,000 in 2025. This figure surpassed 500,000 in March of this year, reaching a historic high. The growth in older workers is the most significant trend in the labor market, contrasting with a slight decrease in employment among those aged 25-44. The labor force participation rate for those 65 and above has also steadily increased, reaching 10.8% in March. Experts attribute this rise to increased healthy life expectancy, insufficient retirement savings due to rising living costs, and labor shortages. Despite the trend, businesses hold misconceptions about hiring older workers, such as concerns about high salaries and potential negative impacts on attracting younger talent. However, research indicates that younger generations view companies that treat senior employees well more favorably.
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- 📰 Published: May 16, 2026 at 10:11
- 🔍 Collected: May 16, 2026 at 10:31 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 16, 2026 at 14:41 (4h 9m after Collected)
Taiwan officially entered a "super-aged society" in 2025, with one in five individuals over 65 years old. This "silver tsunami" is reflected in the labor market. Statistics from the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) show that employed individuals aged 65 and above grew from 250,000 in 2015 to 460,000 in 2025, a surge of 84% over a decade. In March of this year, this figure surpassed the 500,000 mark, setting a new historical high, indicating that older individuals are increasingly becoming a mainstay in the workforce rather than just supplementary labor.
According to Ministry of the Interior statistics, Taiwan's total population was 23,299,132 in 2025, continuing its negative growth. The population aged 65 and above reached 4,673,155, accounting for 20.06% of the total population. As the proportion of the elderly population exceeded 20%, Taiwan officially entered a super-aged society according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition.
Facing the dual pressures of an aging population and declining birth rates, Taiwan's labor market structure has undergone three major transformations. First, compared to other age groups, employment growth is most prominent among the elderly. From 2015 to 2025, the number of employed individuals aged 25-44 decreased from 5,990,000 to 5,672,000. Employment for those aged 45-64 grew from 4,162,000 to 4,779,000, an increase of 14.8%. Employment for those aged 65 and above jumped from 250,000 in 2015 to 460,000 in 2025, an 84% increase over ten years, highlighting elderly employment as one of the most significant trends in the labor market in recent years.
Second, the number of employed individuals aged 65 and above has grown steadily and rapidly, surpassing the 500,000 mark for the first time in March of this year, setting a new record high.
Third, the labor force participation rate for those aged 65 and above has steadily climbed, surpassing an average of 10% in 2025 and continuing to rise this year, reaching 10.8% in March.
Tan Wen-ling, Deputy Director of the DGBAS National Statistics Department, analyzed that with advancements in medical care, the healthy life expectancy of Taiwanese citizens is increasing. If individuals are healthy and their circumstances permit them to continue contributing their experience in the workplace, the number of employed elderly naturally increases. Simultaneously, there is an important environmental context: Taiwan has entered a super-aged society, and labor shortages persist across industries. "Employers are also calling for workers, and if older individuals can continue working, it benefits the industry."
Elderly labor is reshaping the employment landscape. According to the "2025 Super-Aged Society Corporate Talent Sustainability New Thinking White Paper" released by 104 Senior, a subsidiary of 104 Job Bank, the average number of monthly active job applications from middle-aged and older individuals has increased by 34.4% in the past three years, from 61,000 in 2023 to 82,000 in 2025, reflecting the proactive attitude of this demographic towards continued employment.
Chan Wan-jung, Senior Manager of 104 Senior Business Group at 104 Job Bank, pointed out that the white paper survey found that over 80% of middle-aged and older employees wish to continue working after the age of 60. The reasons are practical: the average lifespan of Taiwanese citizens is increasing, and prices are rising, leading to concerns about insufficient retirement preparation. The mindset of middle-aged and older individuals is shifting: "It's not just society pushing them; they themselves are willing."
Chan further stated that the growth in elderly employment is not a temporary phenomenon but a structural change that will continue. However, observing corporate human resource strategies, hiring middle-aged and older individuals remains relatively conservative, mainly due to two misconceptions.
The white paper survey indicates that the biggest challenge companies perceive in hiring middle-aged and older individuals is "excessively high salaries," and they worry that advertising for older workers might deter younger applicants. In reality, what middle-aged and older individuals care about most is "convenience of work location," with flexibility and quality of life being key.
Chan analyzed that some elderly employment involves returning to the workforce after retirement. These individuals seek stable cash flow to enhance financial security. From this perspective, higher salaries are not necessarily the priority; they highly value convenient work locations, such as working near their homes, to balance work flexibility and quality of life.
Furthermore, many companies worry that hiring too many middle-aged and older employees might affect their corporate image and hinder the recruitment of young people. Chan stated that this is definitely a misconception. The survey shows that 93.7% of young people under 40 hold a positive or neutral attitude towards this, with about 30% even saying, "This makes me want to apply to this company even more."
Why do young people have a positive attitude towards friendly workplaces for older adults? Chan explained, "Young people's logic is simple: a company that treats its senior employees well should also treat me well." Young people today consider more than just salary when choosing a job; they also observe the company's values.
According to National Development Council population projections, the proportion of people aged 45 to 64 is expected to exceed 50% by 2037, meaning the middle-aged and older demographic will officially become the main force in the workforce. Chan stated that companies must face the reality of structural changes in the labor market and actively promote age-inclusive workplaces; otherwise, future talent competition will only become more challenging.
According to Ministry of the Interior statistics, Taiwan's total population was 23,299,132 in 2025, continuing its negative growth. The population aged 65 and above reached 4,673,155, accounting for 20.06% of the total population. As the proportion of the elderly population exceeded 20%, Taiwan officially entered a super-aged society according to the World Health Organization (WHO) definition.
Facing the dual pressures of an aging population and declining birth rates, Taiwan's labor market structure has undergone three major transformations. First, compared to other age groups, employment growth is most prominent among the elderly. From 2015 to 2025, the number of employed individuals aged 25-44 decreased from 5,990,000 to 5,672,000. Employment for those aged 45-64 grew from 4,162,000 to 4,779,000, an increase of 14.8%. Employment for those aged 65 and above jumped from 250,000 in 2015 to 460,000 in 2025, an 84% increase over ten years, highlighting elderly employment as one of the most significant trends in the labor market in recent years.
Second, the number of employed individuals aged 65 and above has grown steadily and rapidly, surpassing the 500,000 mark for the first time in March of this year, setting a new record high.
Third, the labor force participation rate for those aged 65 and above has steadily climbed, surpassing an average of 10% in 2025 and continuing to rise this year, reaching 10.8% in March.
Tan Wen-ling, Deputy Director of the DGBAS National Statistics Department, analyzed that with advancements in medical care, the healthy life expectancy of Taiwanese citizens is increasing. If individuals are healthy and their circumstances permit them to continue contributing their experience in the workplace, the number of employed elderly naturally increases. Simultaneously, there is an important environmental context: Taiwan has entered a super-aged society, and labor shortages persist across industries. "Employers are also calling for workers, and if older individuals can continue working, it benefits the industry."
Elderly labor is reshaping the employment landscape. According to the "2025 Super-Aged Society Corporate Talent Sustainability New Thinking White Paper" released by 104 Senior, a subsidiary of 104 Job Bank, the average number of monthly active job applications from middle-aged and older individuals has increased by 34.4% in the past three years, from 61,000 in 2023 to 82,000 in 2025, reflecting the proactive attitude of this demographic towards continued employment.
Chan Wan-jung, Senior Manager of 104 Senior Business Group at 104 Job Bank, pointed out that the white paper survey found that over 80% of middle-aged and older employees wish to continue working after the age of 60. The reasons are practical: the average lifespan of Taiwanese citizens is increasing, and prices are rising, leading to concerns about insufficient retirement preparation. The mindset of middle-aged and older individuals is shifting: "It's not just society pushing them; they themselves are willing."
Chan further stated that the growth in elderly employment is not a temporary phenomenon but a structural change that will continue. However, observing corporate human resource strategies, hiring middle-aged and older individuals remains relatively conservative, mainly due to two misconceptions.
The white paper survey indicates that the biggest challenge companies perceive in hiring middle-aged and older individuals is "excessively high salaries," and they worry that advertising for older workers might deter younger applicants. In reality, what middle-aged and older individuals care about most is "convenience of work location," with flexibility and quality of life being key.
Chan analyzed that some elderly employment involves returning to the workforce after retirement. These individuals seek stable cash flow to enhance financial security. From this perspective, higher salaries are not necessarily the priority; they highly value convenient work locations, such as working near their homes, to balance work flexibility and quality of life.
Furthermore, many companies worry that hiring too many middle-aged and older employees might affect their corporate image and hinder the recruitment of young people. Chan stated that this is definitely a misconception. The survey shows that 93.7% of young people under 40 hold a positive or neutral attitude towards this, with about 30% even saying, "This makes me want to apply to this company even more."
Why do young people have a positive attitude towards friendly workplaces for older adults? Chan explained, "Young people's logic is simple: a company that treats its senior employees well should also treat me well." Young people today consider more than just salary when choosing a job; they also observe the company's values.
According to National Development Council population projections, the proportion of people aged 45 to 64 is expected to exceed 50% by 2037, meaning the middle-aged and older demographic will officially become the main force in the workforce. Chan stated that companies must face the reality of structural changes in the labor market and actively promote age-inclusive workplaces; otherwise, future talent competition will only become more challenging.
FAQ
What is the current demographic status of Taiwan regarding age?
Taiwan has entered a "super-aged society," with over 20% of its population aged 65 and above.
How much has the number of employed individuals aged 65 and above grown in the last decade?
It has grown by 84% over the past decade, from 250,000 in 2015 to 460,000 in 2025.
What is the labor force participation rate for individuals aged 65 and above?
It has steadily increased and reached 10.8% in March of this year.
What are the main reasons cited for the increase in elderly employment?
Reasons include increased healthy life expectancy, insufficient retirement savings, and labor shortages.
What are common misconceptions companies have about hiring older workers?
Companies often believe salaries are too high and that hiring older workers might deter younger applicants, though research suggests otherwise.