Work and Retirement among the Older Population in Four Asian Countries

Albert Hermalin, University of Michigan
Angelique Chan, National University of Singapore

This paper utilizes aggregate and individual level data, from representative surveys from the mid-1990s, to develop a comparative picture of the labor force patterns of the older population and the factors affecting labor force participation in four countries - the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. The aggregate data reveal that the Philippines and Thailand have somewhat higher labor force participation rates for men, and much higher rates for women, than Singapore and Taiwan. The survey data examining the factors affecting work and retirement show that poor health was a very important determinant of retirement in each country, education had small and inconsistent effects, and pension income or coverage had effects that varied from country to country. Family factors also played a role in retirement decisions. Attitudinal and preferences regarding work and retirement are also presented and generally confirm the patterns observed in the more formal analyses.