The paper examines the pattern and prospects of labor force participation and retirement decisions among older persons in developing Asia through the review of relevant literature and detailed analysis of descriptive statistics drawn from the labor force survey micro data of selected countries in the region. Evidence suggests that the structure of social security and pensions, education and health status of workers, household structures and gender norms, and technological change and adoption at workplace are the key factors explaining the observed patterns of labor supply among older persons in advanced economies. Some of these factors are equally relevant in developing Asia, while others seem to pose divergent impacts. Restricted coverage and depth of social security and pension scheme likely pose limited effect in many countries of developing Asia to date, except in selected areas and among educated older workers. Early exit from labor market among the skilled group can also be explained by the lack of career options upon the first retirement in the region. The paper recommends public and private actions that could promote longer working lives in the region.

JEL codes: J11, J14, J21, J26