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The accelerated aging of the population, with an increase in the number of elderly people between 2000 and 2023 according to IBGE, has raised concerns about how workers should organize their income for old age. Personal finance experts say that preparation should start with the first salary and that compound interest plays a decisive role in wealth formation over the decades of working life. The growth of the population over 60 in the country, which reached 33 million people in 2023, aligns with national and international projections regarding the impact of aging on public budgets and the organization of Social Security. According to the UN, Brazil ranks sixth in the world in the number of elderly. Just as with environmental changes addressed in municipal legislation, demographic transformations require continuous adjustments in individual decisions and public policies, especially due to the rising cost of health care and prolonged care in old age.
Initial Guidelines for Creating a Financial Reserve
Specialist Adriana Ricci, from SHS Investimentos, explains that planning should start with the first salary. For her, the financial reserve cannot be postponed, as delaying it reduces the effect of compound interest on future income construction. Ricci recommends that the first investments be directed toward conservative investments, such as fixed income, CDBs, and Treasury Direct bonds. These instruments, according to her, offer lower volatility and serve as a gateway to the financial market. As wealth increases, investors can gradually diversify their portfolio, even with professional guidance. The specialist emphasizes that knowledge about risks and opportunities should accompany the growth of accumulated resources.
Impacts of Delaying the Start of Investments
Valor Investimentos partner Virgilio Lage states that those who delay investing incur higher costs over their lifetime. He explains that the aging process occurs over 30 to 40 years and that future income depends on the ability to accumulate during this period. According to IBGE projections, by 2040 there will be more elderly people than children. This reduces the proportion of active workers and directly affects the sustainability of Social Security. For Lage, aging does not come as a surprise, but a lack of planning creates financial difficulties. He highlights that health expenses double in old age, putting pressure on family budgets and reinforcing the need for passive income.
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Recommended Portfolio Structure and Complementary Alternatives
Financial educator Thaisa Durso, from Rico, points out that savings do not preserve purchasing power and that diversification is essential. She recommends three main pillars: inflation-indexed fixed income, private pension plans, and variable income with multi-market funds. In the case of fixed income, public bonds linked to the IPCA help maintain purchasing power over the years. The Treasury Renda+, which offers monthly payments for up to 20 years after maturity, appears as an alternative for those seeking continuous income. In complementary pensions, the PGBL allows a deduction of up to 12% of gross annual income, with a tax reduction under the regressive table after ten years. The VGBL, on the other hand, does not integrate into the inheritance, which speeds up succession processes. Durso adds that stocks, real estate funds, and multi-market funds help seek higher returns, as long as they align with risk profiles and are accompanied by regular contributions.
Emergency Reserve and Long-Term Protection
Lage states that a reserve of six to twelve months of expenses is necessary to protect the accumulation strategy. He explains that this reserve prevents unforeseen events from compromising long-term planning, especially during times of job loss.
Pressures on Public Policies and Rising Costs of Aging
IBGE projects that Brazil could exceed 75 million elderly people by 2070, equivalent to 37.8% of the population. Although the topic has gained traction in public debate, experts say that policies aimed at the elderly population are still inadequate. Data from FGV Social shows that Brazil allocates 13% of GDP to Social Security, a higher percentage than Japan, which invests 10%. Lage believes that the traditional concept of retirement is likely to become outdated, as aging entails significant costs. Medications, caregivers, hospitalizations, and health plans are among the items that put the most pressure on elderly budgets, reinforcing the importance of financial autonomy.
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