ABSTRACT

The purpose of the research - the study aims to analyse income levels as a determinant of financial inclusion, focusing on the elderly population in the Republic of Moldova. It seeks to identify opportunities and risks associated with integrating this vulnerable group into the financial system under specific economic and social conditions.

The methodology of the research – research methods as quantitative statistical analysis, comparative analysis, socioeconomic analysis were used in the study. Besides, the research uses longitudinal income and expenditure data (2019-2023) to assess the financial conditions of elderly individuals.

The practical importance of the research - the research provides insights into the challenges faced by pensioners in accessing financial products, which can inform policies for enhancing financial inclusion. This is important for reducing poverty and supporting social cohesion in Moldova's ageing population.

The results of the research - the findings reveal a positive yet limited adoption of financial services among pensioners, with most relying on social cards primarily for cash withdrawals. The study highlights significant disparities in income and financial inclusion across regions, emphasizing the economic vulnerabilities of the elderly.

The originality and scientific novelty of the research - the study offers a novel perspective by correlating pensioners’ financial inclusion with income levels, emphasizing regional disparities and specific challenges this group faces. It contributes to existing literature by providing a focused analysis of Moldova’s pensioner population using updated statistical methods and datasets from 2019–2023.

Keywords: income, pensioners, inclusion, financial products.