Elderly populations face economic and service barriers in Ecuador and Spain

Reports from Ecuador and Spain highlight various challenges facing elderly populations, ranging from economic precariousness to barriers in financial services.

In Ecuador, an International Labour Organization study reveals that 82% of working individuals aged 65 to 75 are employed in the informal sector. Additionally, 44% of older adults in the country receive neither labor income nor a pension, a figure higher than the Latin American and Caribbean average of 34.5%. This economic gap is particularly severe for women, with 58.1% lacking income or pensions compared to 27.5% of men. As the population aged 65 and older grows to represent 9% of Ecuador's total, experts warn of increasing needs for healthcare, social protection, and care networks.

In Spain, a study by the Sociological Research Center on behalf of the Ministry of Economy indicates that over half of seniors living in rural areas report a lack of specialized attention at banks. Among those who visit branches in person, 55.7% claim there is no preferential service, and 62.8% state there is no dedicated staff for their needs. While digital banking usage is high, with 76.9% regularly using banking apps, many seniors still face difficulties with physical accessibility and specialized financial assistance.