The effect of household poverty on the economic activity of the elderly in Indonesia

Purpose: This study aims to analyse the condition of the elderly in poor households which includes two things. The first is the characteristics of the elderly in poor households and the effect of poverty on the economic activities of the elderly. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses secondary data from the 2020 National Social Economic Survey. Findings: Poverty status of households is proven to have an effect on the participation of the workforce and the work participation of the elderly. The poor elderly tend to have a greater chance of participation in economic activities than the non-poor elderly. The absence of pension and old age insurance also causes the elderly to continue working until old age. Working is one of the survival mechanisms for the elderly. Originality/value: This research has analysed the two population problems, which are the aging population and poverty. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.