At the end of 2001, more men than women had cashed in their pensions. This gap has been shrinking with every generation. The generations born after 1950 had smaller pension funds than their elders at the same age. These funds decrease further with every new generation: young people are prolonging their studies and find it harder to get a job. Despite these difficulties, the level of women's pensions has stabilised, due to the sheer number of women now in the labour market. From the age of 40, the amount received under non-contributing pensions ­ for those receiving unemployment, sickness or invalidity benefit ­ is increasing. These measures open up pension rights for elderly contributors in a situation of temporary unemployment.