Geriatrics and Gerontology

Biography

Biography: Alejandra Cabanas Serna

Abstract

As we know, the aging population is a demographic phenomenon characterized by an increasing life expectancy and by a declining birth rate in countries; this leads to an endless number of social and political problems; that leads to the importance of assessing the social impact of public health policies in the population. The following research explains policies and strategies in public health and the functionality of social security systems in Mexico, such as Mexican social Security Institute, the Institute for Social Security and Services for the State Workers and the Popular Insurance. These three provide services to most of the Mexican population; these being compared with the actual needs of the elder and the concepts of the Mexican population about the culture of aging. The aging phenomenon in Mexico began in the 60’s with birth control and became a trend that has kept going all this time. Today Mexico is experiencing a phenomenon called “demographic dividend” referring to the current situation of the country where the generations born between 80’s and 90’s not only represent the majority of the economically active population, but also represent the highest percentage of this population compared to previous years. This population is the economical support of the vulnerable populations (children under 18 and seniors over 60) who represent small percentages of the total population which we can deduce that the “demographic dividend” benefits. However, we must take into account, how long the benefit of this dividend will be, because over the years this economically active population will become older and, the now shrinking population of children will become the support, collapsing the welfare of the elder and the current strategies in retirement and pension.