WILLEMSTAD – The rapid aging of Curaçao is creating a growing poverty challenge, with thousands of elderly residents living on pension incomes far below the cost of living.
New figures show that nearly 25 percent of Curaçao’s population is now aged 65 or older, almost doubling from 13.8 percent in 2011.
Many of these elderly residents rely entirely on AOV, the island’s basic state pension. Since 2026, the AOV has been set at a maximum of 1,000 guilders per month, significantly below the estimated amount retirees would receive under full legal indexation.
The absence of annual AOV indexation since 2021 has further widened the gap between pension income and actual living expenses.
According to available data, 58 percent of pensioners depend solely on AOV without additional pension income.
Average monthly pension income also remains low, especially for women. Male pensioners receive an average of around 3,033 guilders gross per month, while women receive only 1,989 guilders.
With more than 40,000 residents now above retirement age, the issue is becoming increasingly urgent as living costs continue rising.