Elderly in the Labor Market

The paper analyzes the participation of Brazilian elderly in the labor market from 1977 to 1998. This analysis is different from traditional labor market analysis as the main focus is not with the pressure that elderly can put on the labor market. The objective is to look at their participation as an indicator of dependence. Furthermore, the paper also examines the contribution that Brazilian elderly brings to familial budget. Finally, it calls attention to the fact that the elderly population is already affecting the Brazilian labor force. Elderly participation in labor force experienced little changes through the studied time period. It did not seem affected by the large increase in retired population. Among the considered variables which can affect that participation, age and education showed a great importance; age in a negative way and education in a positive one. It is believed that both reflect health conditions which seem to be an important determinant of elderly labor force supply. The participation of Brazilian elderly in labor market is high considering international standards. This is related to the high participation of retired population. About 50% of male elderly and a third of female elderly on the labor market were retired in 1998. This proportion increased over the studied time period. Earnings from work are important in the elderly income and in their families