(Q24N) In the past, Latin America and the Caribbean were known as youthful regions with high birth and fertility rates. Today, the statistics say otherwise; adults are now overpowering the population.
Since this is a matter of importance when the development of Latin America is taken into consideration, the countries now ought to think about implementing public policies that adequately respond to the new demographical structure, stated Paulo Saad, director of the Latin American and Caribbean Demographic Center (CELADE).
The rates previously mentioned – birth and fertility data- have decreased over the years. According to CELADE, in approximately 2040, the percentage of people over the age of 60 will surpass those under 15 for the first time in the region’s history.
According to the United Nations and the Economic Research Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, until the 1970’s, the fertility and birth rates averaged 6 kids per woman while taking into consideration life’s expectancy which was considerably lower than what it is now.
However, 25 years later, the data showed a preference for less offspring; women bore 3 children. Nowadays, the average is 2.1 kids per household.
ECLAC reaffirms commitment to older persons
Last month, the countries of Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) reaffirmed their commitment to promote, protect and respect the human rights, dignity and fundamental liberties of older persons.
The ECLAC said that regional countries have reaffirmed their commitment to promote, protect and respect the human rights, dignity and fundamental liberties of older persons. The commitment was made on Friday, June 30 at the closing of the fourth Regional Intergovernmental Conference on Ageing and the Rights of Older Persons held in Asunción, Paraguay.
In a statement to the press, the ECLAC said the conference was brought to a close by Paraguay’s Deputy Minister of Public Health, María Teresa Barán; the United Nations Resident Representative in Paraguay, Cecilia Ugaz; and the Director of the CELASE, Paulo Saad.
Saad underscored the broad participation by states at the conference and highlighted the participation by members of civil society, “who were provided with ample time to express their diverse interests and needs.”
The CELADE director also noted that Latin America and the Caribbean have renewed and reinforced their commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of older persons, and ratified ECLAC’s support on the issue of aging and the rights of older persons.
Most aged populations in Latin America and the Caribbean
The CELADE reveals that Buenos Aires, Argentina is the most aged capital with 15.4% senior citizens and an aging rate of 65.5%, followed by Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 13.3% and 64%, respectively.
The report notes that aging in the region continues and depends on each country’s phase of demographic transition.
Sources: Latinamericanpost.com; Caribbeanlifenews.com; Prensa Latina
