How Gender Inequality Shapes Aging in Mexico

In Mexico, the economic well-being of the elderly is hanging in the balance, with a stark divide in pension coverage, particularly among women. According to Isalia Nava Bolaños, an academic at UNAM's Institute of Economic Research (IIEc), only four out of every ten elderly individuals receive income from a contributory pension, revealing a critical gap in financial support for those who toiled in the formal sector with social security. In her recent conference on the “Economic security of women in advanced ages,” Nava Bolaños shed light on the marked gender differences exacerbating this issue.

The statistics are revealing: 21 percent of the Mexican population falls within the 65 to 74 age bracket, with women comprising 54.4 percent and men 45.6 percent. The aging process unveils a feminization of old age, as women outlive men, resulting in a higher proportion of elderly females. While this may suggest a longevity advantage, Nava Bolaños emphasized the need to recognize the disparities women face throughout their life cycle.

Women encounter significant hurdles in education and employment, leading to lower levels of schooling and limited access to formal, well-paying jobs. The burden of domestic and care responsibilities, historically thrust upon women, hinders their ability to enter and remain in the workforce. Consequently, most women find themselves in precarious, informal employment arrangements as a means of balancing work and family duties.

Highlighting the economic challenges faced by elderly women, Nava Bolaños noted that some receive contributory pensions as economic dependents, particularly in cases of widowhood. However, this underscores a critical distinction—they receive support not as individuals with enforceable rights but as beneficiaries of someone else's entitlement.

In this complex landscape, non-contributory pensions like the Pension for the Welfare of the Elderly gain significance. Conceived as a universal right for those aged 65 and over, these pensions become a lifeline for individuals navigating the economic uncertainties of their later years. For many, these pensions are not just a financial supplement; they represent a crucial buffer against vulnerability and poverty, mitigating the harsh conditions prevalent in Mexican society, especially for women.

Nava Bolaños pressed the need for introspection about the kind of society Mexico aspires to become in the face of its aging demographic. She urged a forward-looking perspective, considering both current and future generations. Despite the hardships faced by today's elderly, they are in relatively better conditions than the younger generation, who may struggle with social mobility in the future. To secure a more equitable future, Nava Bolaños stressed the urgency of consolidating comprehensive coverage for non-contributory pensions and ensuring their adequacy to meet the evolving needs of an aging population.

The pressing question emerges: What steps can Mexico take to address the widening gap in pension coverage and ensure the economic security of its elderly population, particularly women? Nava Bolaños advocates for a comprehensive approach, calling for policies that tackle the root causes of gender disparities in education and employment. Creating pathways for women to access formal, well-paying jobs and addressing the burden of domestic and care responsibilities are critical steps toward rectifying the systemic inequalities that persist throughout their lives.

Furthermore, there is a need for a robust and inclusive social security system that recognizes the individual rights of elderly women, ensuring that they are not relegated to mere dependents but are active subjects entitled to financial security. Non-contributory pensions should not be viewed as stopgap measures but as integral components of a broader strategy to build a more inclusive and just society.

In conclusion, as Mexico grapples with the challenges of an aging population, it stands at a crossroads. The choices made today will shape the future for both the current elderly and generations to come. By addressing the gender disparities in pension coverage and bolstering non-contributory pension programs, Mexico can pave the way for a more equitable and secure future for its aging population. It is not just a matter of financial support but a question of dignity, rights, and the kind of society Mexico aspires to be in the years to come.