Chile is experiencing an accelerated process of demographic ageing derived from sustained health advances. Life expectancy increased from 53 years in 1950 to more than 81 in 2025. This structural change will transform the labor market, consumption patterns and demand for social services, giving rise to an economy based on active longevity.
Older people account for 13.1% of the total number of employed, with a lower-than-average unemployment rate (5.64% vs. 8.56%), although they face challenges such as greater informality (44%) or longer job search times (10.5 months). It highlights its preference for freelance jobs (34%) and the role of older employers (65 thousand people), which reinforces the potential of senior entrepreneurship.
Beyond employment, this group presents heritage stability (71.1% of homeownership) and increasing demand for care, preventive health, adapted housing, support technologies and accessible tourism. Ageing is an economic opportunity if continuous learning, job flexibility, entrepreneurship and health prevention are promoted.
