Determinants of Labor Force Participation among Older Adults in the Philippines

Date

6-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

U-Primo E. Rodriguez

Committee Member

Ma. Janda Ira Felina M. Benedictos, Gideon P. Carnaje, Ma. Angeles O. Catelo

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Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing labor force participation (LFP) among older adults in the Philippines using data from the 2018 Longitudinal Study of Aging and Health in the Philippines (LSAHP). The analysis is based on 5,821 respondents aged 60 and above, examining individual, household, and socio-economic determinants of LFP through descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.

Descriptive statistics show that older Filipinos are mostly women, have low educational attainment, and commonly reside in multi-generational households. Many continue to work out of financial necessity, despite health challenges and reliance on limited government support. Regression analysis revealsthat older age, widowhood, higher education, larger household size, living with children, higher wealth, and being non- recipient of social pension are associated with a lower likelihood of labor force participation. Conversely, being male, residing in rural areas, in better health, household headship, having a working spouse, and spousal debt increase the likelihood of LFP. These findings highlight the complex interplay of financial, social, and household dynamics that shape older adults’ economic behavior.

While limited by cross-sectional data, this research provides valuable insights for policymakers to develop strategies supporting older adults’ well-being as the country faces demographic aging, Future studies should explore longitudinal trends, regional differences, and complex motivations behind older adults’ labor participation.

Language

English

LC Subject

Labor supply—Philippines—Statistics

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 E2 B39

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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