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Employability and productivity among older workers : apolicy framework and evidence from Latin America

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  • Murrugarra, Edmundo

Abstract

As Latin American and the Caribbean countries face rapid aging transitions, the economic contribution of older workers will need to be strengthened. This paper uses household data from Brazil and Mexico to characterize labor market behavior of older workers, such as participation, sectoral and type of employment, and productivity, to identify critical areas for policy intervention. The paper also discusses other social policy related issues like health, remittances, and family arrangements. This paper suggests three areas for labor policy: (i) adjusting social security incentives to extend working life and postpone formal retirement; (ii) adjustments to labor market regulations to increase employment flexibility, smoothing the transition into retirement; and (iii) addressing skill needs through (re) training to maintain productivity and employability. This paper reviews existing evidence on these policy interventions in industrial and developing countries, and suggests areas for future analytical work.

Suggested Citation

  • Murrugarra, Edmundo, 2011. "Employability and productivity among older workers : apolicy framework and evidence from Latin America," Social Protection Discussion Papers and Notes 63230, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:hdnspu:63230
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    Cited by:

    1. Victoria Levin, 2015. "Promoting Active Aging in Russia," World Bank Publications - Reports 22613, The World Bank Group.
    2. Edwin van Gameren & Durfari Velandia Naranjo, 2015. "Working and Caring: The Simultaneous Decision of Labor Force Participation and Informal Elderly and Child Support Activities in Mexico," Latin American Journal of Economics-formerly Cuadernos de Economía, Instituto de Economía. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile., vol. 52(2), pages 117-148, November.
    3. Edwin Van Gameren & Durfari Velandia Naranjo, 2012. "Working and caring. The simultaneous decision of labor force participation, informal long-term care and childcare services in Mexico," Serie documentos de trabajo del Centro de Estudios Económicos 2012-16, El Colegio de México, Centro de Estudios Económicos.

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