Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile: Book addresses challenges of the rapid aging of Chilean society

Clapes and Ediciones UC published a text that promotes policies to successfully face the economic and social challenge posed by the accelerated aging of the Chilean population.

The Latin American Center for Economic and Social Policies of the Catholic University (Clapes UC) and Ediciones UC presented the book “Economics, Health and Aging” , which seeks to provide the necessary tools to face the challenge of the rapid aging of Chilean and international society.

For 2050, the projections warn that it will be close to 20, the same year in which for Chile it is estimated that for every 100 people of working age, there will be 43 aged 65 or over.

The activity was attended by the first lady, Cecilia Morel , and the rector of UC, Ignacio Sánchez. In addition, the text was commented on by the former Minister of Health, Emilio Santelices. The text edited by academics Leonardo Hernández, Pedro Paulo Marín and Hernán de Solminihac , addresses the profound demographic revolution of the 21st century, where out of every one hundred people in the world, eight are over 65 years of age. For 2050, the projections warn that it will be close to 20, the same year in which for Chile it is estimated that for every 100 people of working age, there will be 43 aged 65 or over.

For the authors, the aging of the population brings challenges that go beyond the sustainability of pensions, which is why it is advisable to face the challenge of this stage with realism, but at the same time take advantage of the opportunities it offers. Likewise, solutions are proposed for this challenge that involves both public and private entities, as well as a greater commitment from the academic world, both in research, knowledge development and professional training.

Through a workshop held in Santiago in 2019, a team of specialists dedicated themselves to discussing and reflecting on the subject. This book emerged from the debate and the conclusions of this conference, which seeks to provide the necessary tools to successfully face the economic and social challenge posed by accelerated aging.

The aging of the population brings challenges that go beyond the sustainability of pensions, which is why it is advisable to face the challenge of this stage with realism, but at the same time take advantage of the opportunities it offers.

The work developed in the book “Economics, Health and Aging”, had the support of IMED, NOVOJET, Abbott Laboratories and the Chilean Association of Insurers.