Features of the Peruvian elderly and social protection policies

Abstract

The first goal of this paper is to analyze recent socio-economic characteristics of old-age peoplein Peru, with emphasis on poverty and social exclusion. For this, we use the National Household survey (Enaho) of year 2011 and find that the majority of the extreme poor elderly are living in the rural area. Furthermore, only 1% of the elderly living in extreme poverty receives a pension benefitand a vast majority of them live in one or two-person households, which intensify their vulnerability. The second goal is to review the most important social and economic policies towards old-age in Peru. And finally, we review the literature and policies for the elderly implemented in other countries with the aim to describe their most relevant impacts. Overall, our document might be a useful input to think and propose new policies towards old-age people in Peru based on evidences.