Social Participation of Older People in Chile: a Governance Approach

Abstract

Chile is one of the most ageing countries in Latin America. 18.4% of the total population is over 60 years old. Having ratified the Inter-American Convention on the Protection of the Human Rights of Older Persons in 2017, Chile has the challenge of promoting the social participation of older persons in policy design, production and social spheres. Article 8 of the Convention establishes the right to active, productive, full and effective participation of older persons. Public policies on social participation are more than 10 years old and need to be reviewed in the light of the Convention. The purpose of this article is to evaluate such public policies from a governance perspective, i.e., considering the participation of the State, private economic actors and private non-profit associations or interest groups in the promotion of the human rights and well-being of older persons.  For this purpose, a literature review of legal documents, social public policies and scientific reference articles was carried out. It is concluded that the Chilean territorial policy approach should strengthen institutions such as the extended family and formal work as realistic measures to promote the full integration of older persons and to prevent social isolation and loneliness.