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Formal support for the elderly

The concept of retirement is changing. In less developed countries, few older people — especially women — occupy formal sector jobs in which the concept is meaningful. A trend towards earlier retirement in industrialized countries has recently reversed, while growing numbers of older persons engage in part-time work or volunteer activities.

There are public systems for old age, disability or survivor support in 155 countries, but they cover only 30 per cent of all people over 60; 40 per cent of working-age people contribute.

Many industrialized countries, concerned that the large new generation of older people will strain 3 public-sector pension funds and health systems, are considering social security reforms such as increasing the age of eligibility, raising contributions and introducing private-sector financing.

Whatever their design, old-age security systems should guarantee a basic level of services to all, paying special attention to the needs of the most vulnerable, including the poorest, elderly women and the "oldest old".

In developed nations, volunteer organizations provide a range of services to assist older populations, including day-centres and clinics that were once publicly run. In less developed countries, local organizations supported by international NGOs are developing similar, cost-effective community services.

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