Introduction
On August 28, Mexico commemorates the National Day of the Elderly in a time of unprecedented demographic transformation. The country is experiencing rapid population aging, with 12.8% of its population already being elderly.
Historical Perspective
In various cultures, such as Greek, Roman, Japanese, and pre-Hispanic Mexican, elders symbolized wisdom and authority. However, currently, many face exclusion, loss of job opportunities, and social isolation, making elderly care one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century.
Aging in Mexico
According to the National Population Council (Conapo), there are currently 17 million 121,580 elderly people in Mexico, accounting for 12.8% of the population. This figure is projected to rise to 14.96% by 2030, surpassing the population of 0 to 14 years, and reaching 34.2% by 2070.
The median age, which was 22 years in 2000, has increased to 30.5 and is expected to reach 43 by 2050. By 2024, 27 federal entities will be in the moderate-advanced aging stage, while Estado de México, Ciudad de México, Veracruz, and Morelos will be in the advanced aging stage.
By 2030, Estado de México and the capital could have over 21% of their population being elderly, entering the very advanced stage of this process. Meanwhile, the “feminization of aging” is explained by the greater female life expectancy (78.9 years in 2024) and social and structural factors that increase male mortality at early ages.
More Than a Number
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), 14% of the population consists of individuals aged 60 or older; 53% are women, and 47% are men. Approximately four out of ten continue working actively, and 15% live alone.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation of elderly people in Mexico? There are currently 17 million 121,580 elderly people in Mexico, accounting for 12.8% of the population. This number is expected to rise to 14.96% by 2030.
- What factors contribute to the aging population in Mexico? The factors include reduced fertility, decreased mortality, and increased life expectancy, which reached 75.5 years in 2021.
- What challenges does aging present in Mexico? Despite the historical reverence for elders, current challenges include exclusion, loss of job opportunities, and social isolation. The “feminization of aging” is another concern due to greater female life expectancy and higher male mortality at early ages.
- What percentage of the Mexican population is elderly, and how does this impact society? 14% of the Mexican population consists of individuals aged 60 or older. This demographic shift will have significant implications for social structures, workforce participation, and family dynamics.
