Trends in the economic status of Taiwanese elderly during the period 1976–2016: the role of familial support

ABSTRACT This paper examines the economic status of Taiwanese elderly, focusing on the role of family support during the period 1976–2016. We use data from the Survey of Family Income and Expenditure in Taiwan. Our analysis has three main findings. First, the economic status of the Taiwanese elderly has deteriorated over the past four decades, though Taiwan has developed a comprehensive social security system since 1993. Secondly, the family still plays a crucial role in providing the elderly’s income security. Finally, the elderly head’s probability of falling into poverty is significantly affected by age, work status, educational attainment and marital status.