Aging in Latin America and the Caribbean: Aging faster with fewer resources

Latin America and the Caribbean is aging fast but the transition has not been associated with a favorable economic situation The Region is aging at a time when it still lacks sufficient economic resources; almost 50% of the older persons did not have the financial means to meet their daily needs, and one-third did not have a pension or a paying job. Their level of schooling is lower than that of the general population, and they have very high illiteracy rates, less than 50% of people over 60 describe their health as good and BADL has been affected in 20% of the members of this group, necessitating long-term care at home or in institutions.

Despite of the implications for social security and public health, the Region still lacks a comprehensive vision of health for older persons, knowledge is not uniform, and most health systems lack indicators to monitoring and analysis the impact of health measures. Coverage, continuity of care, and access to health services without discrimination is deficient, and the people who have access still do not receive services adequate to their needs

Responding to those needs and to international and regional mandates, PAHO aproved the Strategy and the Plan of Action for the Health of Older Persons, which set the priorities for the period 2009-2018. The Plan of Action has four interdependent strategic areas that link together commitments, values, resources, capacities, and opportunities and constitute an effective participatory strategy and plan ofaction to meet the commitments acquired.