Regarding the French, as I understand it, they pay a higher percentage in pension contributions towards their state pension than we do (plus more tax towards the health system etc - hence it's better)... therefore their country can afford for them to retire slightly earlier than us. We haven't paid enough in, compared to life expectancy, for decades - which is why we're in such a mess and pension ages had to be raised. Talking to some of my elderly female customers, they just don't realise how fortunate they were to be able to receive a state pension at 60. This "I've worked hard all my life, I deserve it " idea just isn't based on logic or sound economic principles. My mother in law is one. I honestly don't think she believes my wife will have to work to 67 to receive her state pension.