ARE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES READY FOR AGEING POPULATIONS? AN EXAMINATION ON THE SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC AND HEALTH STATUS OF ELDERLY IN TURKEY

The proportion of older persons increased year by year and this group faces different problems Than those of developed countries in terms of economic, social and political considerations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current situation of older persons in Turkey and discuss the challenges of interpreting the existing data regarding this population. In Turkey, from 1985 to 2000, the proportion of older persons in the total population increased from 4.2% to 5.7%. Projections show this proportion will increase to 9.1% by 2025. The majority of older persons are women, less urbanized, and have lower educational levels. Sixty-five percent of them are not active in the labour force. The most common cause of death is cardiovascular disease. The increasing proportion of older persons in Turkey may lead to a decrease in families' ability to support them, and new arrangements for taking care of older persons may thus be required. Among the key issues of concern to policy makers are health and social services, home care, social security, social support, and proper education of those involved in the care of this population.