ESCWA Publication: E/ESCWA/SDD/2017/3
Country: Arab region
Publication Type: Reports & studies
Cluster: 2030 Agenda and SDG Coordination
Focus Area: Inclusive development, Population dynamics & migration
Initiatives: Older persons
SDGs: Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
Keywords: Ageing, Arab countries, Education, Employment, Health, Population, Population dynamics, Social development, Social security, Ageing persons, Old age benefits, Long-term care insurance, Covid-19, Social conditions, Economic conditions, Health services, Employment creation
Population and Development Report Issue No. 8: Prospects of Ageing with Dignity in the Arab Region
January 2018
The number and share of older persons in the Arab region are steadily growing and will increase substantially in the following decades. The advent of this ageing transition, which most Arab countries will start experiencing before 2030, has important economic and social implications, especially given that weak and non-inclusive social protection systems leave many older persons vulnerable to poverty, ill health and isolation.
This report provides a demographic overview of Arab countries and describes the process of population ageing in the region. It further analyses the socioeconomic conditions of the current generation of older persons and assesses projected circumstances of future generations, including healthcare and pension coverage. It also highlights the two‑way intergenerational support between older persons and their families, and warns of the potential impact of changing social dynamics. To help Arab Governments start to plan now for today’s and tomorrow’s elderly population, this report also provides actionable, concrete and comprehensive recommendations. People deserve to age with dignity. As Governments engage in development planning and policymaking under the overarching 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is vital to ensure that current and future older persons are not left behind.
Related content
Inclusive development
, Population dynamics & migration
,
The number and share of older persons in the Arab region are steadily growing and will increase substantially in the following decades. The advent of this ageing transition, which most Arab countries will start experiencing before 2030, has important economic and social implications, especially given that weak and non-inclusive social protection systems leave many older persons vulnerable to poverty, ill health and isolation.
This report provides a demographic overview of Arab countries and describes the process of population ageing in the region. It further analyses the socioeconomic conditions of the current generation of older persons and assesses projected circumstances of future generations, including healthcare and pension coverage. It also highlights the two‑way intergenerational support between older persons and their families, and warns of the potential impact of changing social dynamics. To help Arab Governments start to plan now for today’s and tomorrow’s elderly population, this report also provides actionable, concrete and comprehensive recommendations. People deserve to age with dignity. As Governments engage in development planning and policymaking under the overarching 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is vital to ensure that current and future older persons are not left behind.
