Age discrimination affects senior workers in Chile and Spain

Reports from Chile and Spain highlight the growing challenges and opportunities regarding older workers in the labor market. In Chile, the Cincuentimeter 2026 study indicates that 52% of people over 50 have experienced age discrimination in the last three years, with many barriers appearing before age 55. Women face higher unemployment rates, reaching 10.4% in the April-June 2026 quarter compared to 8.7% for men.

Some companies, such as the facility services firm LIMCHILE, are actively integrating older employees to leverage their experience and stability. In LIMCHILE, approximately 46% of its female workforce is over 50.

In Spain, the VI Senior Consumer Barometer by Fundación MAPFRE reveals that 60% of seniors identify the labor market as the primary area for ageism. Despite this, 30% of active workers over 55 express a desire to combine employment with pension income upon reaching retirement age. This trend is significant as Spain faces rapid population aging, with those over 55 representing 34% of the population.