WILLEMSTAD – A large share of Curaçao’s population is financially insufficiently prepared for old age, according to key conclusions presented during the Happy Aging Conference held in January. The conference was jointly organized by the Algemeen Pensioenfonds van Curaçao and the University of Curaçao.
Presentations and research shared during the conference showed that low financial literacy, limited pension accumulation, and population ageing together pose a growing risk to income security later in life. Speakers emphasized that without targeted interventions, a significant portion of the population may face financial vulnerability in old age.
The central theme of the conference was how people in Curaçao and the wider region can age in a healthy and dignified manner within the island’s social and economic realities. Over the course of one and a half days, participants discussed three closely interconnected themes: financial health, a healthy living environment, and physical and mental well-being. According to several speakers, financial security forms the foundation for what they described as “happy aging.”
The discussions highlighted that ageing on Curaçao is increasingly shaped by structural challenges, including rising living costs and a pension system under pressure. Without adequate preparation and policy adjustments, ageing may become associated with uncertainty rather than independence.
The conference concluded that improving financial resilience is essential to ensuring that older residents can maintain autonomy and quality of life. Participants stressed that action is needed now to prevent long-term social and economic consequences linked to inadequate retirement preparation.