Work, retirement and vulnerability of older persons in Latin America: what are the lessons for pension design?

The work and retirement behaviour of older groups, and their vulnerability to economic conditions ought to be key parameters for pension reform, especially as regards the design of pension schemes and pension benefits. In practice, very little attention has been paid to these issues in Latin America. This paper examines the economic status and incomes of older groups and their households in Chile. It considers the extent to which older groups are vulnerable to changes in economic conditions, and the impact that pension and health reform will have on their vulnerability. It concludes that current social security reforms in the region will contribute to increased vulnerability among older groups. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.