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Demographic and Health Issues in Rural Aging: A Global Perspective
Author(s) -
Andmvs Gary R
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
the journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.439
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1748-0361
pISSN - 0890-765X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1748-0361.2001.tb00281.x
Subject(s) - population ageing , economic growth , rural area , population , public health , action plan , development economics , public policy , medicine , political science , environmental health , economics , nursing , management , pathology
The world is witnessing unprecedented changes in population structure, so that both the absolute number and proportion of older people are increasing worldwide. For many developing countries, rapid population aging and the phenomenon of a “double burden” of both infectious disease and emerging chronic diseases represent a major challenge. Many of those who will contribute to these extraordinary transitions will live in rural areas. Many countries, especially the poorest, still have a huge burden of infectious diseases, including increasing rates of HIV/AIDS along with a graving problem of chronic diseases. A number of critical policy considerations come to the fore in examining issues associated with rural aging, including: the need for rural development policies that take account of population aging and the needs of older people; improved coordination and integration of public health and care services in rural areas; support for nongovernmental organizations and community group efforts; and greater use of new technologies for communication. The year 1999 was pivotal for aging in terms of perceptions, attitudes, public action, better research and knowledge, and improved policy decisions that will benefit all of society into this new century. The Second United Nations World Assembly to be held in Madrid in April 2002 will provide further opportunity to build upon this progress and in the formulation of a new International Plan of Action on Aging to point the way for decisive action on positive policy and program initiatives for the future.