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Old Age Incomes, Wealth, and Poverty across the Globe

Author

Listed:
  • Kenneth Nelson

  • Johan Fritzell

Abstract

This paper examines global trends in old-age income, wealth, and poverty, highlighting disparities between high-income countries and the Global South. Using data from the Luxembourg Income Study and other sources, we show that robust pension systems in affluent countries seem to protect large fractions of older people from poverty, while limited coverage in less prosperous countries leaves many vulnerable. Wealth distribution and multidimensional factors, such as health and living conditions, are essential in understanding economic security in later life, particularly for low-income households in the Global South. Policy must consider the varied challenges faced by ageing populations across socio-economic contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Kenneth Nelson & Johan Fritzell, 2024. "Old Age Incomes, Wealth, and Poverty across the Globe," LIS Working papers 891, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:lis:liswps:891
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Bernard Casey & Atsuhiro Yamada, 2002. "Getting Older, Getting Poorer? A Study of the Earnings, Pensions, Assets and Living Arrangements of Older People in Nine Countries," LIS Working papers 314, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    4. Bernhard Ebbinghaus & Kenneth Nelson & Rense Nieuwenhuis, 2019. "Poverty in Old Age," LIS Working papers 777, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
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    6. Frank Cowell & Brian Nolan & Javier Olivera & Philippe Van Kerm, 2017. "Wealth, Top Incomes and Inequality," LWS Working papers 24, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
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    9. Sen, Amartya, 1999. "Commodities and Capabilities," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780195650389.
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