Half of older people lack pensions says ILO


Forty-eight per cent of all people over pensionable age in the world do not receive a pension, according to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Launched to coincide with the International Day of Older Persons, the report also says that for many of the 52 per cent who do get paid a pension, the money they receive is inadequate.

The "Social Protection for older persons" report looks at pension systems in 178 countries.

It finds that more than 45 nations have reached 90 per cent pension coverage and that more than 20 developing countries have achieved or nearly achieved universal coverage.

In his message on the international day, the UN Secretary-General said it was important to ensure a "socially and economically active, secure and healthy ageing population."

SOURCE: Daniel Dickinson, United Nations.