Abstract
Mexico is positioned as the 10th largest country in the world for population and the 15th in geographic area. Despite the vast and varied landscape of Mexico, the great majority live in the of the middle of the country between the states of Jalisco and Veracruz; approximately a quarter of the population lives in and around Mexico City and 81.6% of the total population live in urban environments. Mexico has experienced significant demographic shifts in recent decades that are altering the landscape of aging. As life expectancy has risen (males – 70.29% and females – 76.79%) and fertility fallen, older adults now represent a growing segment of the population (currently 8.02%). However, traditional family support systems have eroded as adult children increasingly establish independent households. At the same time, rapid urbanization has concentrated most Mexicans in cities not well-designed for senior needs and lifestyles. “Aging in place” modifications that allow seniors to live independently in their communities for longer could help address these challenges. Community centers providing social activities and basic services can further combat isolation and meet health/wellness needs. Leveraging technology holds promise for connecting isolated seniors to services, family, and social opportunities. The goals of our presentation are to: Describe the changing state of Mexico’s demographics and the changes of older Mexicans (particularly women); Propose strategies to support older adults to “age in place” ranging from: social, e.g., programs that support caregivers and family; technological, e.g., wearables, mobile applications, monitoring software; to para-companionate solutions, e.g., electronic pet companions.
Presenters
Andrew JohnsonProfessor, Psychology, Park University, Missouri, United States Pilar Hernández Grageda
Professor, Engineering Faculty, Universidad Panamericana, Jalisco, Mexico
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Aging-in-place, Latin America, Strategies to help older adults
