ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORKING TIME AND RETIREMENT TIME IN THE NUTS 2 REGIONS OF HUNGARY IN THE LIGHT OF GENDER AND REGIONAL DISPARITIES

This paper examined the effects of raising the statutory retirement age at NUTS 2 levels, differentiated by gender in Hungary. The evaluation criterion was the ratio of working time to retirement time concerning adults average life expectancy. This criterion was used to examine whether and to what extent regional and gender disparities exist at NUTS 2 levels and whether these disparities should be considered in policy measures. The empirical results indicated differences between the genders and regions regarding the burden of raising the retirement age. Women spend more time in retirement than men in terms of average adult life expectancy. This finding illustrates the difference in life expectancy between the sexes in Hungary. Besides, regional disparities in participation in the pension system have been observed for both women and men. These disparities can cause unintended distributional effects when the retirement age is increased. In this context, it is recommended that further policy measures are taken to address gender and regional disparities.