Summary

The paper presents a numerical general equilibrium model in which agents decide about their retirement age. In this context policy reforms like an increase of the normal retirement age, higher discounts for early retirement or the introduction of flat or minimum pensions are simulated. While future generations benefit from the first two reforms, they suffer from the latter. There are three central findings: First, higher discounts have a stronger effect on the retirement decision than an increase in normal retirement age. Second, the timing of retirement is significantly affected by an introduction of flat pensions. Third, models with an explicit retirement decision can lead to different policy implications compared to models in which retirement age is exogenous.