A Look at the Current Situation
Imagine having dedicated decades of your life to work, accumulating experience and wisdom, only to then face a panorama of uncertainty. Between July and September 2025, the labor market in Mexico was made up of 3.5 million warriors aged 65 or older. However, an overwhelming number, 77.6%, which translates to approximately 2.7 million souls, worked in the informal economy. This means that millions lacked access to health services, to a dignified retirement and to the legal protection that every human being deserves, according to data revealed by the National Occupation and Employment Survey (ENOE) of the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.
In the last year, this challenge has only intensified. Informality opened its doors to 56 thousand older adults, a sign of their resilience and desire to continue contributing. Meanwhile, the formal sector closed opportunities, eliminating 42 thousand positions. This divergence is not a simple statistic; It is the reflection of a deep imbalance in employment opportunities for a generation that has so much to offer. Each number represents a story of perseverance in the face of adversity.
The Context and the Opportunity for Change
Experts from the inspiring organization México, Como Vamos? invite us to look beyond the numbers. This high rate of informality among older adults is not a coincidence; It is a symptom of a structural failure at the heart of the Mexican labor market. Many of these workers, full of vigor and knowledge, lack adequate working conditions and a social protection network that honors their career. But every problem is a disguised opportunity to build a more fair and inclusive system.
This phenomenon of informality is intrinsically linked to the levels of working poverty that vary in each region. The average income from a formal job is almost double that obtained in the informal sector. This gap not only speaks of the economy, but also of dignity and quality of life. Bridging this gap is an act of social justice and a step toward a society that values all its members equally.
The Figures That Move Us to Action
Geographically, the challenge manifests itself with different intensity. The State of Mexico concentrates the largest population of older adults in informality, with 364 thousand active people, followed by the states of Veracruz with 215 thousand and the wonderful Mexico City with 210 thousand, according to reports from Inegi. Each of these human beings is a testimony of strength, seeking their livelihood with determination.
Fernando Bermúdez Pire, director of corporate relations at ManpowerGroup, offers a crucial perspective. It reminds us that the inability of the formal sector to absorb the entire economically active population, added to the constant growth of informality, evidences a critical structural deterioration. But in every criticism there is a seed of solution. Recognizing the problem is the first step to transforming it into a collective victory.
One of his most powerful reflections invites us to reflect: “The regional contrasts between informality rates show the inequality of job opportunities and reflect a forced migration towards job insecurity”. His words highlight the urgent need for innovative and effective public policies that promote the creation of decent, stable and safe jobs for our older adults. It is a call to co-create a future where experience and wisdom are valued and protected. Together, we can turn this challenge into a story of success and renewal for our society.
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