Asuncion, IP Agency.- Our country will experience a significant aging of its population in the next two decades, according to Dr. Claudina Zavattiero, a demographer with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
During an interview on Paraguay TV’s Tribuna program, Zavattiero explained that by 2044, the population of adults over 60 years of age will double, reaching an estimated figure of 1,400,000 people, which will represent 20% of the total population.
Based on recent data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), Zavattiero noted that Paraguay’s current population is 6,109,903 inhabitants, far from the 7,400,000 that had been projected for 2015. This difference is due, in part, to a more accelerated decline in the fertility rate, which is generating a reduction in population growth, as well as the 20,000 deaths that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic and a negative migration balance.
The ageing of Paraguay’s population is already evident, with 8.6% of the country’s inhabitants, or some 700,000 people, currently aged 60 or older. This phenomenon, although still in its infancy, presents both significant opportunities and challenges for the country.
“Paraguay is at the right moment to take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the change in demographics, because we still have young people who contribute to human capital and we do not yet have a significant number of older adults.”
– Claudina Zavattiero.
According to the expert, the country must take advantage of this window of opportunity before the aging of the population becomes more serious.
However, Zavattiero warned that the situation will change radically over the next 20 years. The elderly population will go from representing 8.6% of the population to double, reaching 1,400,000 people, which will force the country to prepare for the challenges that this entails. Among the challenges, Zavattiero mentioned the growing demand for specialized health services, the need to strengthen social security and adapt the pension system to ensure long-term sustainability.
“It is an ideal time to make the necessary reforms to ensure a dignified old age for the future elderly population,” the demographer stressed. Zavattiero also insisted that Paraguay should take as a reference the experiences of other countries that have already faced this type of demographic transition. Reforms in the retirement system and a push towards the formalization of employment are key, according to the expert, to guarantee a stable source of income during old age and avoid situations of economic vulnerability for the elderly.
«The additional years of life must be lived with quality, and that requires careful planning in areas such as health, social security and access to services for older adults.»
In addition to social security reforms, Dr. Zavattiero stressed the importance of preparing the health system to care for an aging population, which will require more specialized medical services, care for chronic diseases, and the development of long-term care programs. She also indicated that it is essential to foster an environment that allows for active aging, where older people can continue to participate in society in a productive manner and with a good quality of life.
The long-term outlook is even more challenging, as longevity in Paraguay will also continue to increase. According to projections, life expectancy in the country will reach 84 years by 2100. This increase in longevity poses new challenges in terms of planning, as Paraguayans will live longer than they are used to.
The aging of the population, while a challenge, is also an opportunity to promote a debate on Paraguay’s social and economic sustainability in the future. With the right decisions and reforms, the country can ensure a dignified and prosperous old age for future generations of seniors.
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2024-09-15 14:52:13
– What challenges does Paraguay face as its population ages?
Table of Contents
Paraguay’s Population is Aging: Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has sounded the alarm: Paraguay’s population is aging, and the country needs to prepare for the significant challenges and opportunities that come with it. According to demographer Dr. Claudina Zavattiero, by 2044, the population of adults over 60 will double, reaching an estimated 1,400,000 people, which will represent 20% of the total population.
Aging Population: A Global Trend
Paraguay is not alone in this demographic shift. The world’s population is aging, with the number of people aged 60 and older expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2030. This trend is driven by declining fertility rates, increased life expectancy, and reduced mortality rates.
Current Situation in Paraguay
Currently, 8.6% of Paraguay’s population, around 700,000 people, are aged 60 or older. While this may seem like a small percentage, it presents both opportunities and challenges for the country. Dr. Zavattiero notes that the country has a window of opportunity to take advantage of the change in demographics, with a relatively large proportion of young people still contributing to the workforce.
Challenges Ahead
However, the situation is expected to change radically over the next 20 years. The elderly population will double, putting pressure on the country’s healthcare system, social security, and pension systems. Dr. Zavattiero warns that Paraguay needs to prepare for the growing demand for specialized health services, strengthen social security, and adapt the pension system to ensure long-term sustainability.
Opportunities for Reform
The good news is that Paraguay can learn from the experiences of other countries that have already faced this type of demographic transition. Dr. Zavattiero recommends reforms in the retirement system and a push towards the formalization of employment to guarantee a stable source of income during old age and avoid economic vulnerability for the elderly.
Priorities for a Dignified Old Age
To ensure a dignified old age for the future elderly population, Dr. Zavattiero emphasizes the importance of:
- Healthcare Reform: Preparing the healthcare system to care for an aging population, with a focus on chronic disease management and long-term care programs.
- Social Security Reform: Strengthening social security and pension
What are the specific healthcare system reforms needed in Paraguay to support its aging population?
The Looming Demographic Shift: How Paraguay Can Prepare for an Aging Population
Asuncion, IP Agency.- Dr. Claudina Zavattiero, a demographer with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has sounded the alarm: Paraguay’s population is set to undergo a significant aging process over the next two decades. By 2044, the country can expect to see a dramatic increase in its elderly population, with adults over 60 years of age doubling to reach an estimated 1,400,000 people, accounting for 20% of the total population.
Current Demographic Landscape
According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), Paraguay’s current population stands at 6,109,903 inhabitants, far short of the 7,400,000 projected for 2015. This disparity is attributed to a decline in fertility rates, negative migration balance, and the 20,000 deaths that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Aging Population: Opportunities and Challenges
Paraguay’s aging population is already evident, with 8.6% of the country’s inhabitants, or approximately 700,000 people, currently aged 60 or older. While this demographic shift presents both opportunities and challenges, it is crucial that the country takes proactive measures to address the implications of an aging population.
Seizing the Window of Opportunity
“Paraguay is at the right moment to take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the change in demographics, because we still have young people who contribute to human capital and we do not yet have a significant number of older adults,” emphasized Dr. Zavattiero.
The country must capitalize on this window of opportunity before the aging of the population becomes more pronounced. The next 20 years will be crucial in preparing for the challenges that lie ahead, including the growing demand for specialized health services, strengthening social security, and adapting the pension system to ensure long-term sustainability.
Lessons from Other Countries
Paraguay can draw inspiration from countries that have already navigated similar demographic transitions. Reforms in the retirement system and a push towards sustainable social security models can help ensure a dignified old age for the future elderly population.
Preparing for the Future
“It is an ideal time to make the necessary reforms to ensure a dignified old age for the future elderly population,” stressed Dr. Zavattiero.
To mitigate the challenges associated with an aging population, Paraguay must:
- Strengthen healthcare systems: Invest in healthcare infrastructure and specialized services to cater to the growing elderly population.
- Reform social security: Adapt the pension system to ensure long-term sustainability and provide a safety net for the elderly.
- Promote intergenerational dialogue: Foster collaboration between younger and older generations to facilitate knowledge transfer and social cohesion.
- Embrace technological innovation: Leverage technology to improve healthcare services, transportation, and social support networks for the elderly.
By taking proactive measures, Paraguay can harness the opportunities presented by its aging population and build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all its citizens.
Optimized Keywords: Paraguay, aging population, demographics, Claudina Zavattiero, UNDP, National Institute of Statistics, fertility rate, migration
