In 2022, more than 35 percent of doctors in the European Union were aged 55 or older. In half of the EU member states, over 40 percent of doctors were in this age group. This data comes from the Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report, published by the OECD and the European Commission. Countries with larger populations, such as Germany and France, pushed the EU average even higher.
In almost half of all EU countries, nearly one in five doctors is now older than 65. This trend could lead to serious shortages if younger doctors are not trained and retained in time.
Ageing Doctors and Rising Pressure on Health Systems
Experts warn that the combination of older doctors, fewer new recruits, and growing patient needs could put Europe’s health systems at risk. Without change, many countries may struggle to provide care for ageing populations.
Italy and Bulgaria Have the Highest Share of Older Doctors
Italy and Bulgaria both reported that 54 percent of their doctors are aged 55 or more, the highest share in the EU. Romania had the youngest workforce, with only 21 percent in this age group. Among other countries, the United Kingdom had 14 percent, and Turkey 15 percent.
Causes of Workforce Age Differences
Different national policies explain much of this age gap. For example, Italy reduced medical training spots for years, leading to fewer new doctors. On the other hand, the United Kingdom remained attractive to foreign-trained doctors, which helped maintain a younger workforce.
Germany and France Also Report High Numbers
Germany said that 44 percent of its doctors are aged 55 or older. France followed closely with 43 percent. Other countries with more than 40 percent include Belgium, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Czechia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, and Cyprus.
Nordic Countries Keep Doctors Younger
Nordic countries showed better results. In Norway and Finland, only 24 percent of doctors were aged 55 or older. The rest of the Nordic region also stayed under the EU average.
Doctors Over 65 Still Working Across the EU
In 11 EU countries, doctors over age 65 make up more than 18 percent of the workforce. In most of these, the share was higher than 20 percent. Italy again had the highest figure, with 27 percent of its doctors still practicing after age 65.
Some Countries Are Better at Training and Retaining Young Doctors
Malta had the highest share of doctors under age 35, at 46 percent. Romania followed with 34 percent, and Turkey had 41 percent. In contrast, Italy reported only 11 percent, France 16 percent, and Germany 20 percent of doctors under 35.
Why Do These Gaps Exist?
Three major reasons explain the differences. First, some countries do not train enough medical students due to limited spots. Second, poor working conditions cause younger doctors to leave the profession or move abroad. Third, some countries allow doctors to work beyond 65, while others require retirement at that age.
Young people are also less likely to enter medicine. Many prefer jobs with better work-life balance. In addition, becoming a doctor takes many years—often 10 to 14—before they can work independently.
Medical Education Takes Time to Impact the Workforce
Changes in training policies need years to show results. Countries that cut spending on medical education in the past are now seeing the long-term effects. Without steady investment, doctor shortages will likely grow worse.
Nurses Age More Slowly Than Doctors
Nurses across the EU are younger than doctors. On average, 24 percent of nurses were over 55 in 2022. Romania had the youngest group, with only 10 percent. Latvia had the oldest at 39 percent. In Italy, just 24 percent of nurses were over 55, compared to 54 percent of doctors.
Europe Faces Two Ageing Problems
Europe faces a double ageing crisis. First, more people need care as they live longer. Second, the healthcare workers who care for them are also growing older. In 2022, there were 3.49 people over age 65 for each health or social care worker. By 2050, that number could rise to 3.94.
Long-Term Planning Is Needed to Avoid Collapse
Experts say governments need to act now and plan for the long term. Without enough young doctors, healthcare systems across the EU may struggle to care for future generations.