The Ageing Of Modern Societies: Crisis Or Opportunity?

Patricia Thane

Autores/as

Patricia Thane King’s College of London

Resumen

En todas las sociedades modernas más personas alcanzan mayores edades. Esto es visto como una crisis, como la imposición de una carga cada vez mayor de los costos debido a las necesidades de las personas mayores para la salud y la asistencia social y las pensiones. En este trabajo se propone una perspectiva más optimista. Señala que en la mayoría de los países de ingresos altos las personas están viviendo más tiempo, pero también son saludables y más activos en la vida que nunca. Los costos que imponen a los servicios de salud pueden ser exagerados. En consecuencia un número creciente de ellos trabajan, en forma remunerada o voluntaria, en el cuidado de los demás y reducen así el gasto público de los servicios. A menudo se afirma que las familias dedican menos atención a las personas mayores que en el pasado. Esto también es cuestionable. En el pasado, debido a las altas tasas de mortalidad en las edades más jóvenes, la pobreza y las altas tasas de migración, las personas mayores a menudo no contaban con apoyo familiar. Ahora, debido a la mayor esperanza de vida, nivel de vida y la tecnología moderna, las personas mayores pueden recibir más apoyo de la familia que en el pasado. La vejez es triste para muchas personas. Siempre lo ha sido. Pero no para todos. El grupo de mayor edad es muy diverso.

Palabras clave: Vejez, envejecimiento, salud, diversidad, trabajo.

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