[Socio-medical problems of senescence]

Epidemiological studies by international groups have shown a demographic structure which in Latin America, by the year 2000, will cause especially complex problems demanding important social, political and economic changes. Between them, they emphasize the overall increase of population size (more than doubling, from 280 to 600 million people), the large urban concentration (64% of the total population), with rural depopulation, on 18% decrease in fertility, and an increased life expectancy. With regard to this point, 36 Latin American and Caribean countries will have an average life expectancy of 65 years, and 19 of 70 years. Increased longevity, causing a large elderly population, is an achievment of civilisation, but is also an overwhelming problem. Biophysiological and psychological considerations of the ageing process are raised, as are the inherent problems of forced retirement, which have influence in working, emotional and family sheres, in a poorly-understanding society, too disorganized to provide help. This, by feedback, creates a special emotional deterioration in the elderly individual (considered for this purpose as being an age of more than 60 years for men, and 55 years for women), which is made considerably worse by increased incidence of illness. The need for, and importance of, social care for this group, which concalves health as part of the greater concept of wellbeing and quality of life, is emphasized. It shows how the modern concept of social welfare as part of the state, with reference to securing the wellbeing of the elderly, should not be a charity which is offered but an obligation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)