Demographic change in Latin America and health aging

This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Mr. Raúl Pérez Gamboa and Ms. Nayeli Esmeralda Avalos Celis, two medical students studying for their surgeon degree at the Faculty of Human Medicine Campus IV of the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas. They are affiliated with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.

THE CURRENT REALITY OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE

Population growth worldwide has resulted in a significant increase in the population of older adults. Historically, aging has been a sign of progress in social, economic, technological, and public health aspects. However, this demographic transformation today represents one of the most outstanding social and political challenges of recent decades.

The Latin American and Caribbean region has undergone a rapid demographic transition from high levels of mortality and fertility in the 1950s to low levels today. However, in 2020 and 2021, the pandemic caused a sharp reduction in population growth. A recovery is expected in 2023 and 2024, but thereafter the downward trend observed before the impact of the pandemic will continue.

In the current decade, a decline in the number of inhabitants under 30 years of age and a positive increase in the adult population in the region, especially those over 50 years of age, are expected. If population projections hold, by the end of this century, the only population group that will continue to increase will be those aged 80 and older. This unprecedented reality will significantly impact the current paradigms of public health and health services.

Therefore, understanding the implications of current demographic changes, as well as the epidemiological transition, is vital if societies are to be prepared to care for an aging population. Increased life expectancy and an aging population will greatly increase the need for a shift in health systems to increasingly aim to keep people healthy and out of the hospital, rather than simply responding mechanistically and providing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

AGING POSES CHALLENGES AND OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES

The elderly population will experience an increase in morbidity due to non-communicable diseases, a decrease in the number of people of productive age, an increase in disability and the need for care, which generates an increase in the dependency rate, therefore, we must have health systems in line with the needs of the elderly population. 

Consequently, it will increase the demand for primary health care and long-term care, will require more and better-trained personnel, and will increase the need for more pleasant physical and social environments for the elderly, since negative stereotypes, discrimination, and mistreatment prevail despite the new reality of aging. About the technological dimension, to strengthen health systems, it is necessary to accelerate digital transformation and strengthen health information systems. 

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About the authors

Raúl Pérez Gamboa, Mexican, born on March 11, 2000 in Tapachula Chiapas. He is currently studying the 8th semester of the medical surgeon degree at the Faculty of Human Medicine Campus IV of the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas. Active member of the Standing Committee on Medical Publications [SCOMP] of the Asociación Mexicana de Médicos en Formación [AMMEF], Student Member of the Mexican Society of Oncology and peer tutoring advisor. He has participated as a volunteer brigade member at the Mexican Youth Institute, and has participated in numerous courses and training on matters related to health and research.

Nayeli Esmeralda Avalos Celis, 8th semester student of the medical surgeon degree at the Faculty of Human Medicine at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas.  Current editor-in-chief of the Revista Científica Mexicana De Médicos En Formación [CIMMEF] and active member of the Standing Committee on Medical Publications [SCOMP] of the Asociación Mexicana de Médicos en Formación [AMMEF]. She has two years of experience in the dissemination Of  research tools and medical education, Certified as an intermediate level researcher by the Comité Permanente de Evaluación y Desarrollo Científico (CPEDEC) of the Federación Latinoamericana de Sociedades Científicas de Estudiantes de Medicina (FELSOCEM)