Around 60% of Bolivia’s population lives in extreme poverty, and currently, 80% of the elderly population resides in rural areas where access to basic services and medical care is limited. Bolivia’s pension system is often insufficient to meet the basic needs of older adults. While the government provides a non-contributory pension called Renta Dignidad, which offers a small monthly stipend to individuals over 60, it is generally not enough to cover the cost of living—especially in urban areas, where expenses are higher.

Older Bolivians are especially vulnerable to economic fluctuations. Many rely on informal work or family support, both of which can be unstable. Economic downturns, inflation, and lack of savings make it difficult for elderly individuals to maintain a stable quality of life, often pushing them deeper into poverty.

In addition to financial hardship, many elderly Bolivians live in substandard housing. In rural areas, homes may lack basic amenities such as running water, sanitation, and heating. In urban slums, older adults often face overcrowding and poor infrastructure, which exacerbate the challenges they face on a daily basis.