Demographic and Epidemiological Situation of Elderly People. Santander. 1964 – 2011

Abstract

Introduction: Population aging occurs worldwide as a result of declining fertility rates, birth rate, mortality and increased life expectancy.  An increased disease burden represented in chronic, degenerative and disabling conditions result from such natural aging process.  Objective:  To describe the demographic and epidemiological situation of seniors in Santander between 1964 and 2020, as well as morbidity information in the year 2011.  Methodology: Censuses, population projections, demographic indicators between 1964 and 2020, non-fetal mortality, and individual records of the health service -RIPS- of 2011 were used.   A descriptive analysis was performed based on the variables of sex, age, diagnosis, and cause of death. Results: Population from Santander shows a steady increase in its number but at a slower pace than decades ago.  Fertility and birth rates have been dropping, and it is projected that the mortality rate and the life expectancy will begin to increase again. In 2015 there will be 251,136 people 60 and older, 44% will be men versus 56% women. Conclusions: The fertility and birth rates are projected to go down. By contrast, the crude death rate went up in 2010 and it is projected to continue in this direction until it stabilizes. Life expectancy at birth is higher for women than for men.  This data confirms the feminization of aging phenomenon.  The morbidity situation is characterized for being acute, chronic and belonging to non-communicable diseases.[Loaiza Valencia AL. Demographic and Epidemiological Situation of Elderly People. Santander. 1964-2011. MedUNAB 2015; 18(1):58-65].