Mikhail Denisenko,

National Research University Higher School of Economics,

Moscow, Russia,

E-mail: mdenissenko@hse.ru

The Length of Working Life in Russia: Trends and Differentials

Elena Varshavskaya,

National Research University Higher School of Economics,

Moscow, Russia,

E-mail: evarshavskaya@hse.ru

Abstract. This article examines the level and the dynamics of working (economically active) life expectancy in Russia, calculated using the Sullivan method. Our results show that the working life expectancy in Russia is shorter than in European and North American countries. This disadvantage is especially evident for the male population. However, Russian males and females also have the shortest periods of economic inactivity, which is predetermined by a short life expectancy. In the context of mass involvement of young adults in the process of obtaining higher education, the estimated retirement period is calculated to be short. A combination of short periods of working life and economic inactivity, along with a low gender-based diversification in terms of working life expectancy distinguishes Russia from other countries. It has been established that high mortality rate at working age determines a considerable part of losses in working life, primarily among the male population of Russia. The potential for growth of the working life expectancy in Russia is strongly related to further reduction of mortality, primarily within major working age groups.

Received: February, 2018

1st Revision: March, 2018

Accepted: May, 2018

DOI: 10.14254/2071-789X.2018/11-2/19

JEL Classification: J22, J21, J11, J26

Keywords: working life expectancy; economic activity; mortality; retirement age; Russia