Brazil's 60‑plus population becomes a key driver for tourism and informal work
A new study by data8, supported by Brazil's Ministry of Tourism, surveyed 1,012 residents aged 60 and older across the country between March and April 2024. The research found that 79% travel at least twice a year and 52% travel three times or more, with 96% financing their own trips and 87% not constrained by holidays. Beaches are the most popular destinations (72%), followed by historic cities (42%) and countryside or mountain areas (34%). Respondents highlighted flexibility, safety and comfort as top travel priorities, and many seniors travel by car, often covering long distances; one couple reported driving 17,000 km through Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay.
A separate Nexus survey revealed that more than half (53%) of Brazilian workers aged 60 and above are employed informally, lacking signed contracts or labor protections. Financial pressure drives many seniors to take on gig work or occasional jobs to supplement income. Nexus CEO Marcelo Tokarski said, "Isso indica que essas pessoas estão recorrendo a bicos e trabalhos informais," while labor lawyer Alison Kaizer warned that repeated informal work could create de‑facto employment relationships subject to legal claims. Together, the findings show Brazil’s aging population is both expanding its role as a tourism market and confronting persistent informal‑employment challenges.