Brazil seniors face rising food and health costs as inflation outpaces incomes

Seventy‑four‑year‑old Romildo Sabino returned to work to supplement his retirement pension after food expenses grew to become the main household cost, rising from about 30 % to 60 % of the family budget. The increase reflects a broader trend captured by the senior‑focused price index (IPC‑3i), which in June showed a 0.56 % rise in food prices for those over 60, versus a 0.24 % decline in the overall IPCA. Over the past 12 months, food prices for the elderly rose 4.81 % compared with 3.82 % overall.

The surge is driven not only by food but also by higher spending on health services, medications, mobility aids and housing, as seniors leave the labor market and rely on slower‑growing incomes. Companies are targeting the aging consumer segment, yet many specialised products and supplements carry price tags above inflation, making older households especially price‑sensitive. "Foods that protect health, such as dairy that combats osteoporosis, and fresh produce, are in high demand among seniors and therefore weigh more in their basket," explained André Braz, coordinator of the FGV Ibre price indices.