Ageing, Development and Social Service Delivery Systems in Latin America: Problems and Perspectives

Abstract

Economic development in Latin America has facilitated the broadening and improvement of governmental services in public health, social security and public administration. These improvements, particularly in public health, have precipitated changes in rates of morbidity and mortality. Many countries have also experienced a fall in birth rates during this period. The result of people living longer and having fewer children is a progressive ageing of Latin American societies. This article explores some critical questions posed by the ageing of populations in these societies. Within the context of varying patterns of national development, special emphasis is placed on the systemic potential for politico-administrative response in the area of social and health services.

Empowering the Elderly: Gerontological Health Promotion in Latin America

“…They include efforts to raise consciousness of conditions affecting older people, and represent their interests in various community arenas. There is no single strategy which typifies these initiatives in Latin America, or in other areas described in the literature (Checkoway 1988;Minkler 1988;Kerschner 1990 a, 1990 b;Ministerio de Salud 1985a;Tapia-Videla and Parrish 1982).…”

En La Tercera Edad: New Programmes to Promote the Health of Older People in Costa Rica

“…In the early 1980s Tapia-Videla and Parrish observed that: 'No Latin American country has developed a service continuum offering a wide number of alternative options'. 24 But in the 1990s it appears that Costa Rica is progressing towards this and establishing institutions for intersectoral collaboration among them.…”