IDB and 'la Caixa' Foundation Join Forces to Boost the Silver Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean

SEVILLE – The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the “la Caixa” Foundation signed an agreement today to promote inclusive, innovative, and sustainable solutions in response to population aging in Latin America and the Caribbean. The partnership includes:

• Co-financing projects that improve access to financial and care services for older adults.
• Promoting policies for the economic inclusion of older adults through knowledge-generation initiatives.
• Fostering the development of a silver economy entrepreneurial ecosystem, highlighting the value of older adults as active agents of development.

Although the region is still relatively young – with only 11% of the population over the age of 60 – it is expected to undergo the fastest aging process in the world in the coming decades. This demographic shift presents urgent challenges in health, pensions, housing, and caregiving. However, it also opens new opportunities for job creation, innovation, and the development of new economic sectors.

The collaboration will focus on three areas: senior employment and entrepreneurship, with initiatives to harness the potential of older adults; longevity-adapted financial services; and caregiving, through sustainable and innovative infrastructure and services.

The partnership is also part of IDB Cares, an initiative that promotes the expansion of access to quality care services in the region.

“With this alliance, we continue to promote a vision where aging can be an economic opportunity. A vision that recognizes the value of older adults as an active force for development, and that creates space for new jobs, adapted financial services, and sustainable care solutions,” said Ilan Goldfajn, President of the IDB Group.

Josep Maria Coronas, Director General of the “la Caixa” Foundation, stated: “Interest in the financial stability of older adults and the dignity of aging has been a core value of the ‘la Caixa’ Foundation since its inception and remains alive today. In fact, in our recently presented 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, we have not only reaffirmed this commitment but also added new lines of action in this area, particularly focusing on longevity and all that it entails.”