Aged Population Is Increasing In Turkey: Situation Analysis

Acta Medica 2013; 2: 23–25
acta medica
TECHNICAL NOTE
Aged Population Is Increasing In Turkey:
Situation Analysis
Dilek ASLAN1*, [MD]
1 Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine,
Department of Public Health
A BST R AC T
Recent national statistics in Turkey shows that the population structure has
turned to “aged” population since 2009 in our country. The old age dependency ratio in our country has been 11.12% by 2012. In this technical report, aging and its major features were discussed using the basic indicators and worldwide-accepted approaches in aging.
Key words: Aged population; Active aging; Turkey
* Corresponding Author: Dilek Aslan
Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
Department of Public Health
Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkey
Phone +90 (312) 305 15 90
[email protected]
Received 6 February 2013; accepted 14 June 2013
Recent national population data [1] in Turkey shows 2009. The American and the European Regions seem
that the total population has reached to 75 627 384 to have the highest LE values [10]. According to the
people. The aged population (65 years of age and old- Turkish Statistics Institute data, LE has reached to
er) in number is 5 682 003 individuals which equals 74.6 for the 2010-2015 period in Turkey [11].
to 7.5% of the total population within the country.
The “oldest old” group which means 85 years of
When compared to the previous years, the increas- age and older people are the fastest rising population
ing trend can be seen clearly (Table 1). The popula- among all age groups [12, 13]. Thus, this group has
tion structure has turned to “aged” population since probably many challenging issues to be faced with
2009. The old age dependency ratio, defined as ra- [14] and experience declining health conditions [15].
tio of the non-productive population (65 years of age
The major determinants of aging are known as
and older) to the population between 15 and 64 years decrease in fertility rates and increase importance
old, [2] in our country has been 11.12% by 2012 [3].
on mortality rates. Decrease in both infant mortalWhen compared to the European Region of the ity and maternal mortality rates contribute to the
World Health Organization data, Turkey is still behind. The proportion of the aged people in the re- Table 1. Population (in number) and aged population
gion is 14% by 2010 which is expected to increase percentage in Turkey (2008-2012)
to 25% in 2050 [8]. The European Region is mostly
Population
Percentage of aged
Year
References
known as the “oldest” continent worldwide [9].
(millions)
population
One indicator used to assess aging is life expec2012
75 627 384
7.50
[1]
tancy (LE) at birth. Life expectancy at (LE) birth has
2011
74 724 269
7.34
[4]
increased globally since the last decades. In Table 2,
global data is presented. Thus, there is a distinct in- 2010
73 722 988
7.22
[5]
equality between the regions as very clearly seen in
2009
71 561 312
7.00
[6]
the table. Unfortunately, in the African region, the
2008
71 517 100
6.84
[7]
people could not have reached to the age of 65 by
23
© 2013 Acta Medica. All rights reserved.
Aged Population Is Increasing In Turkey: Situation Analysis
Table 2. Life expectancy at birth and at 60 years of age (WHO Regions, 2009) [10]
Life expectancy at birth
Region
Life expectancy at 60 years
Male
Female
Male
Female
World
66
71
18
21
Africa
52
56
14
16
Americas
73
79
21
24
Eastern Mediterranean
64
67
16
18
Europe
71
79
19
23
South-East Asia
64
67
15
18
Western Pacific
72
77
19
22
aging process of the populations [9]. Since decades,
tertiary) without any discrimination
these two major indicators are in decreasing trend 3. Give priority to prevention and promotion issues
in Turkey [2].
4. Bring “life expectancy at birth” and “health adst
In the 21 century, which is also named as “cenjusted life expectancy” closer in the upper line/
tury of aging” [16], world is discussing not only aging,
limit
but “active aging” as well. This approach has been 5. Prevent disability
put into the world’s agenda by the World Health 6. Explode the myths on aging
Organization since late 1990s. Healthy and active 7. Prevent any kind of discrimination in aged popaging prioritizes health and wellbeing of the aged
ulation (age discrimination, social isolation, genpopulation as well as their participation in all asder inequality, etc)
pects of practical life [9]. Intergenerational solidarity 8. Sustain dignity of the old age
is another big concern which each country including 9. Provide social participation
Turkey should have put into its agenda.
10. Give chance to the old age to pass their experiBased on the data above, we have to “draw the
ences to the younger generations
frame” for the well being of aged population us- In the light of the global thematic facts, each couning and expanding our national capacity in Turkey. try located either in developed or developing regions
In this regard, basic recommendations are list- of the world should apply sustainable and assessable
ed below:
programs. The basic responsibility should belong to
1. Provide universal coverage for aged population
the state bodies with its counterparts giving priority
2. Provide access to health care (primary/secondary/ to inter and multidisciplinary work.
24
© 2013 Acta Medica. All rights reserved.
Acta Medica 2013; 2: 23–25
Aslan
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