When it comes to age and the likelihood of dying sooner than a 40-year-old, it doesn't matter whether you're a retiree or a pensioner.
Actually, to my knowledge, there are significant differences even beyond death.
Surviving dependents of pensioners are generally better off, because the pension is not offset against a pension insurance benefit. If both were regular employees, the pensions are offset for the surviving dependent, and upon the death of the spouse, there are significantly more deductions.