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In 2022, more than one-third of doctors in the European Union (EU) reached the age of 55 or older, posing significant challenges for healthcare systems across the continent. The latest Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 report from the European Commission and OECD highlighted that many EU countries are struggling with a rapidly aging medical workforce while facing rising demand for healthcare services. The trend is particularly alarming in several countries, as they experience a shortage of younger doctors to replace those retiring.

Italy and Bulgaria Have the Highest Proportions of Older Doctors

Among the EU member states, Italy and Bulgaria have the highest proportions of doctors aged 55 and above. Both countries reported that more than half of their medical workforce falls into this older age group, with 54 percent of doctors in both nations nearing or exceeding retirement age. In contrast, Romania had the lowest rate in the EU, with only 21 percent of its doctors aged 55 or older. Turkey and the United Kingdom reported even lower rates, at 14 and 15 percent, respectively, based on 2021 data.

Dr. Alessandra Spedicato from the European Federation of Medical Specialists (FEMS) pointed to Italy’s reduced training spots and lack of government funding as major contributing factors to the high percentage of older doctors. She explained that without sufficient investment in medical education, the country faces a significant gap in its healthcare workforce.

France and Germany Report Alarming Figures

Germany and France, two of the largest EU member states, also face concerning statistics. In Germany, 44 percent of doctors are aged 55 or older, while France reports 43 percent in this age group. Several other EU countries, including Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Belgium, Lithuania, Czechia, Poland, Cyprus, and Luxembourg, have also surpassed the 40 percent threshold.

In comparison, Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Finland reported much lower rates, with doctors aged 55 and above comprising approximately 24 percent of the workforce in each country. These lower rates in the North may be indicative of better healthcare policies and training systems aimed at retaining younger medical professionals.

A Growing Trend: Doctors Over 65

The issue becomes even more pronounced when considering doctors over 65, who are already filling healthcare roles in several EU countries. In more than ten EU nations, nearly one in five doctors is aged 65 or older. Italy, in particular, stands out, with 27 percent of its doctors surpassing the 65-year age mark.

The growing number of older doctors presents a challenge, as they may be less able to handle the increasing demand for healthcare services. This demographic shift underscores the need for immediate reforms in medical training, retention, and recruitment policies.

Young Doctors in Short Supply

On the other hand, the number of young doctors entering the medical field remains alarmingly low in many EU countries. Malta is the only EU country where more than 40 percent of its doctors are under 35 years old. Romania follows closely behind with 34 percent, while Turkey, a candidate country for EU membership, has 41 percent of its doctors in the younger age group. However, countries such as Italy, France, and Germany are struggling to attract and retain young medical professionals. In Italy, only 11 percent of doctors are under the age of 35, while France has 16 percent, and Germany has 20 percent.

Training Capacity and Workforce Retention Issues

The OECD’s Gaetan Lafortune highlighted the insufficient training capacity in many EU countries as one of the primary reasons for the aging medical workforce. Countries with limited medical school spots have failed to produce enough new doctors to replace those retiring. At the same time, young doctors are often lured away by better working conditions and pay abroad, further exacerbating the workforce gap.

Some countries are implementing measures to allow doctors to work beyond retirement age, offering part-time or incentive-based roles to retain experienced professionals. However, such solutions may not be sustainable in the long run.

The Changing Attitudes Toward the Medical Profession

Dr. Spedicato also pointed out that younger generations no longer view medicine with the same level of respect as previous generations. Work-life balance has become a top priority, and many young people are choosing careers outside of medicine. The financial pressures of pursuing a medical degree, combined with the sacrifices required for a career in medicine, make the profession less appealing to many.

Additionally, cuts to university funding in many countries mean that it will take over a decade to see the negative impact on the workforce, as fewer doctors are being trained to replace those who are retiring.

Delays in Medical Training and Reforms

Dr. Johan Bakke from the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) pointed out that the process to become a doctor in the EU typically takes between 10 and 14 years. With training delays and political decisions to cut education costs in the past, there is now a significant gap in the medical workforce that will be difficult to fill.

The Slow Aging of the Nursing Workforce

In contrast, the nursing workforce in most EU countries is aging more slowly than the doctor workforce. The average percentage of nurses aged 55 or older in the EU is 24 percent. Romania leads with just 10 percent, while Latvia has the highest proportion of older nurses at 39 percent. Italy’s nurse workforce stands at 24 percent over the age of 55, which is far lower than its doctor workforce, where 54 percent are over 55.

Dual Aging Pressures on Healthcare Systems

As Europe faces the “double demographic challenge”—a shrinking workforce and an aging population—healthcare systems are under increasing strain. In 2022 and 2023, 20 EU countries faced doctor shortages, and 15 reported nurse shortages. The EU’s elderly population is projected to grow significantly in the coming decades, further straining the healthcare system. By 2050, it is estimated that 3.94 people aged 65 and older will rely on every healthcare worker, up from 3.49 in 2022.

Experts Call for Long-Term Planning and Data-Based Solutions

James Buchan from the Health Foundation stressed the need for evidence-based solutions to address the growing healthcare workforce crisis. He urged EU countries to invest in training, improve working conditions, and develop sustainable staffing models to ensure healthcare systems can meet future demands.