– I don’t understand what is so interesting about an 86-year-old old woman! Dagny Åsen is quite unique, where she stands with a kitchen apron in her small cafe. Direct, energetic and smiling. Four days a week she runs Dagnys Kompebu in Froland. It has been 27 years since she became an entrepreneur. At the age of 60. – There must not be too much sitting on the sofa! I have worked all my life and I love it. She guesses she has made several hundred thousand comps in total. Photo: Kai Stokkeland / news Sørland’s komper, a potato ball with meat inside, has caught on. Apparently people come from far and wide to taste it. She has made comps for ministers, confirmations and for large events. Many of the guests also get a hug for their purchase. – Can save the welfare state The average retirement age has stood still at 65 since 2014. That worries Kari Østerud, who is director of the Center for Senior Policy. – Our calculations show that if we managed to increase the average retirement age in Norway by one year, this would mean a social gain of 40-50 billion. Kari Østerud is director of the Center for Senior Policy. Photo: Sverre Chr Jarild The figures come from the “Norwegian senior policy barometer”, which is carried out by Ipsos on behalf of the Center for senior policy. 3,005 working people over the age of 16 responded to the survey. More and more people say they are looking forward to retiring and Østerud says the retirement age should go up, not down. – This is a virtue that is necessary for working life and for society. Working seniors are helping to finance their own welfare schemes, and simply to save the Norwegian welfare state. She says working life in the coming years will be completely dependent on many workers over 55 years of age. – But we don’t need to work until we’re 87, like Dagny. System in the kitchen is important, says Dagny. Photo: Espen Bierud / news Not thinking of giving up right away, Dagny became a widow with four children in her early 30s. It was tough, she admits. Christian images and symbols can be found all over her small cafe. The work is a blessing, she says. For almost 27 years, she has been making compers. She has counted on several hundred thousand of them. Many travel to Osedalen to taste Dagny’s compotes. Photo: Espen Bierud / news – They must be soft, and some salt is important for the taste. I really enjoy being in the kitchen, and have no plans to give up. One of the guests in the cafe, Elisabeth Evensen, has behind her a long career in banking. She is full of praise for Dagny’s efforts. – I think it is unique to have that work ethic and give and give of yourself. It commands respect. Elisabeth Evensen is one of the regulars. Photo: Espen Bierud / news Dagny herself frowns a little and does not quite want to join the bragging chorus. – I think I am doing my civic duty. The state needs tax money and I pay mine with pleasure. There is no point in going to bed before you have to. Dagny’s Kompebu opened in 1996. Photo: Kai Stokkeland / news
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Norway can save 50 billion a year on a higher retirement age – news Sørlandet – Local news, TV and radio
