Latin America is one of the fastest ageing regions in the world.

By 2050, 30% of the population will be aged 60 or over – and the majority will be older women.

Many people in Latin America are growing old in poverty, as a result of lifelong deprivation, a lack of health care, limited employment opportunities and poor pension provision.

These problems are exacerbated by high unemployment, national debt and some of the world's highest levels of social inequality.

Older people's concerns

Older people in Latin America have identified the following major concerns:

• Lack of income security Fewer than 30% of older Latin Americans receive a pension. Most older people, especially women, cannot find formal employment because of age discrimination and high unemployment.
• Lack of access to health care Free health services are limited, particularly in rural areas, and are rarely targeted at older people, who often cannot afford to pay for health care. Older generations, particularly indigenous older people, may prefer to use traditional medicine, which is cheaper, more accessible and more familiar than conventional health services.
• Participation There is little recognition amongst government or civil society of the need to understand ageing, or the need for policies and programmes that actively involve older people.
• Marginalisation Older people are often disrespected and denied their basic rights, and are sometimes not even registered as citizens. Many are vulnerable to abuse and violence, or are excluded from the lives of their communities because they are assumed to be dependant or useless.

The way forward

HelpAge International is working with older people in Latin America to achieve a better quality of life through:

• Education and awareness-raising A greater number of older people know their rights, exercise them and teach others to do the same.
• Organisation, decision-making, lobbying Older people participate in decision-making processes in their families and communities. The government and civil society listen to, and act on, their rights and needs.
• Improved livelihoods Older people are trained to participate in productive units, carry out economic activities and pass on their experience and knowledge. They have greater access to the labour market and more opportunities to sell their products.
• Social protection Older people are aware of, and possess, the necessary documents to access social pensions and free health care, where these benefits exist. Free basic health care is accessible to all older people.