Population ageing is a global phenomenon and is occurring faster in developing countries, which have less time to adjust to the consequences of this demographic transition.
By 2050, older people will account for 20% of the population in developing countries, the same ageing demographic currently experienced in developed countries.
What are the issues for older people in developing countries?
- Lack of pensions and social protection support
- Lack of access to age appropriate health services, particularly in relation to HIV/Aids
- Age discrimination
- Lack of consideration of older people in humanitarian response during times of emergency and/or conflict
You will find more detail on all of these below.
Income Security
Did you know globally, just one in five older people have a pension? In other words, 80% of older people in developing countries have no regular income.
Health
Old age is associated with health deterioration and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the main reasons for this.
Age discrimination
Age discrimination is when someone is treated differently to another age group, with an unreasonable or disproportionate impact, simply because of their age.
Older Women
Did you know that older women are more likely than men to be widowed, to live alone, to live more years in poor health & with disabilities and to deal with financial problems or live in poverty?
HIV/Aids
Did you know there are around 3.5 million people over 50 years old living with HIV worldwide?
Humanitarian response
Older women and men in humanitarian crises face risks associated with age and related to adequate health care and nutritional support, mobility issues or visual and aural impairment.
