Danish pensioners keep summer attractions running

Danish pensioners are playing a vital role in keeping the country’s summer attractions staffed during peak season, according to a report by national broadcaster DR.

John Gaml, 78, drives 57 kilometres each way to work as an operator in the farmland-themed area of Djurs Sommerland amusement park. Some weeks he works 15 hours, others 30. The former schoolteacher says the interaction with guests fuels his energy, greeting children and adults alike with high-fives and wishes for a good ride on the “milkshaker” attraction.

“The dynamic between me as an operator and all the guests—it’s just great,” Gaml said.

Without pensioners, younger staff at amusement parks, ice cream kiosks, and restaurants across Denmark would struggle to manage long queues during the busy summer months, said Maria Bille Høeg, employment director at the Confederation of Danish Employers (DA).

“It’s especially visible in the summer, when many businesses have to cover holidays while facing extra demand. That’s why seniors are extremely valuable,” Høeg said.

Government figures from May show over 105,000 workers in Denmark are aged 67 or older—35,000 more than five years ago. At Djurs Sommerland, 50 of the 850 employees are over 62, a significant increase from past years.

“The mix of young and old, experienced and inexperienced—it works really well. And these seniors are especially good with families with children,” said Michael B. Nielsen, director of Djurs Sommerland.

Fårup Sommerland also employs around 50 senior workers, many of whom return year after year. “When we need new seniors in the spring, we get hundreds of applications from people who want to join the team. It’s very popular,” said director Niels Jørgen Jensen.

Financial incentives have made working past retirement more attractive. Wages no longer reduce pension payments, and a recent tax-free bonus was introduced for those who continue working one or two years beyond pension age.

“We very much appreciate the politicians for this. But there’s still huge potential, as many seniors unfortunately still retire before the state pension age,” Høeg said.

For Gaml, however, money is not the motivation. “We take the pay, but it’s not the driving force,” he said.