AGING, VULNERABILITY AND FINANCIAL DECISIONS: A CASE STUDY ON AUTONOMY AND RISK IN THE WEALTH MANAGEMENT OF ELDERLY PEOPLE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n4-054Keywords:
Financial Literacy, Aging, Asset Risk, Financial Therapy, Digital ExclusionAbstract
This teaching case examines the financial and behavioral challenges faced by older individuals in managing their personal and asset finances in a context of increasing digitalization and social vulnerability. The case is based on the experience of an elderly couple residing in a low-income urban area in Brazil, whose financial decisions are influenced by social isolation, cognitive decline, low financial literacy, and resistance to the use of digital technologies. Through a qualitative narrative approach, the case explores how emotional factors, trust dynamics, and dependence on others shape financial behavior in old age. It also highlights the impact of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which intensified the couple's dependence on informal support networks, increasing their exposure to financial risks and vulnerability in consumption. The case presents detailed financial information, including income, expenses, and asset structure, enabling applied analyses on financial planning, liquidity management, and risk exposure. Furthermore, it raises ethical and practical dilemmas related to autonomy, protection, and the role of external agents in supporting the financial decision-making of older adults. From a pedagogical standpoint, this case study was developed to support interdisciplinary discussions in financial literacy, behavioral finance, consumer protection, and financial therapy. By integrating these theoretical fields, the study contributes to the understanding of financial well-being and decision-making processes in vulnerable elderly populations.
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