Attention to the elderly population

One of every 20 Mexicans nationwide is in the 65 and over age group, growing to one of every eight inhabitants by the year 2030.  This will represent a challenge for the pension system, and will draw attention to the emerging patterns of mortality, formerly characterized by infectious and contagious illnesses, but increasingly dominated by chronic, degenerative complaints.[1]  The ISSSTE in Baja California Sur provides social security and services for a total of 16,299 individuals whose ages range between 50 and 75. The “Aging Successfully” program gives the elderly special counseling on how to improve their nutritional habits, as well as how to preserve their quality of life over 55.  

This population contains a substantial part of the nation’s experience and knowledge, yet this braintrust is often under-utilized because of misconceptions about an individual’s ability to work and contribute after retirement.  This social expectation has led to a tendency toward loss of self-esteem, as well as exclusion and segregation of the elderly, resulting in discrimination and labor restrictions toward the elderly.  Consequently, employment opportunities appropriate to their circumstances, experience and skills are limited, straining income and self-sufficiency.[2]

Faced with this situation, the state government has targeted programs to build a system of training and transmission of knowledge for children, through schools, community service clubs, culture, sport, and other fields of social activity.  Similarly, a state system of incentives and compensations for the over-sixties is envisioned that will enable them to earn a decent income and give them open access to social security (ranging from health services to cultural programs).[3]