Increasing the full pension age and extending working life? Inputs for the discussion on employment among older people in Chile

Abstract

Based on national and international literature, in this manuscript we discuss different dimensions involved in policies that seek to encourage employment for older persons as well as retirement beyond full pension age. Concretely, we first discuss the current labor force participation of older men and women, their working conditions, and the occupational trajectories and pension contribution histories of individuals who are now close to the retirement age. Second, we refer to the ongoing discussion on the extension of working life and the delay of the full pension age in different countries. Third we discuss the main health challenges that older people in Chile currently face. Fourth, we refer to the cultural context associated with older individuals in this country. Finally, in the conclusion, we summarize the discussed aspects through the manuscript and suggest orientations that, from our point of view, should consider a public policy that seeks to encourage later retirement.