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Ageing Unequally in Latin America

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  • Javier Olivera

Abstract

This paper studies active ageing and its distribution among older adults in a sample of 18 Latin American countries. For this purpose, a multidimensional index of active ageing is estimated for each individual, as well as its distribution in each country. This strategy makes it possible to measure inequalities in the ageing process, and also to consider different value judgements in the overall assessment of quality of life during ageing. Thus, the study sheds light on discrepancies in the quality of ageing within and between countries. Furthermore, individual factors associated with the degree of inequality in active ageing are analysed by means of regressions using Gini re-centred influence functions. A higher proportion of people with secondary education and better access to water and sewerage services is found to be associated with reduced inequality in active ageing. Country-level variables — such as health expenditure, pension coverage, access to health care and the poverty rate among older people — are key in explaining between-country differences in active ageing.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Olivera, 2023. "Ageing Unequally in Latin America," LISER Working Paper Series 2023-07, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER).
    • Handle: RePEc:irs:cepswp:2023-07
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    File URL: https://liser.elsevierpure.com/fr/publications/ageing-unequally-in-latin-america
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination

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