Elderly: A Statistical Profile of the Elderly Population in Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The final report of the agreement made in 2003 between IPP and IBGE to study the city's demographics states that the prominence of the elderly segment in Rio de Janeiro’s population is a result of the historically low fertility rate in our population, one of the lowest in the country. The demographers who prepared the study emphasize that the new scenario, represented by an increasing proportion of elderly people, “...is viewed with some concern due to the changes it brings to the profile of demands for public policies aimed at the elderly population. Population aging presents new challenges to ensure that increased life expectancy is not just quantitative, but also occurs with quality. The aging population requires specific health services, involving preventive policies with a focus on quality of life, good nutrition, and physical exercise.”