Over the last decade the percentage of people age 65 and older who are employed has crept higher. This has been true for many countries around the world, though the percentage tends to vary by region. In the United States it rose from 15% in 2005 to 17% in 2013.

In 2005 only 5 of the 35 countries, in the first chart below, had an employment to population ratio, for individuals greater than 65, of 15% or higher.

Europe, North America, South America, Asia & Oceana and Middle East & Africa

Last year 13 of the 38 countries had an employment to population ratio, for individuals greater than 65, of 15% or higher.

Data Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Though the ratios have risen there have been a few constants. It remains common in many European nations to not work after the age of 64. In the listed Asian and Oceanic countries it is a much more common for people to work at age 65 or older.