ABSTRACT
Demographic variables which interact with social, economic and cultural factors must all be considered to assess their impact on the health services (WHO 1982). Shifts in basic demographic characteristics such as age distribution, sex composition, family formation and life-expectancy of the population would also have considerable effects on the economy and the social structure of a country. Some of these effects are increasingly being felt in countries whose populations are rapidly ageing and the implications are immense for social and support services-health care, housing, welfare and income security, among others. The pace of social and economic transformation could also accentuate the problems of older persons, especially those who are sick or destitute and without family support. Factors such as rapid urbanization, housing development and resettlement, industrialization and labour-force participation, especially of women, may also contribute to the weakening of the extended family structure and traditional support system for older people. A shift away from care provided in the home and community may potentially lead to growing demands elsewhere, as well as creating stresses on existing public services and the use of limited resources available. Whilst it is important to avoid the ‘moral panic’ often associated with discussion of social and financial costs of providing for ageing populations, it is also sensible to review the options available in the public and private sectors (Fine and Chalmers 2000).
