Ageing Patterns and Concerns in the Arabian Gulf: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The Arabian Gulf countries have norms and rules that are different from others: having an exodus of male immigrant labor contract holders of age 20–60 years as a floating population. Such a demographic scenario conceals population ageing. However, it is observed when examining vigilantly, not only in the native population but also in the general population. This research on population ageing in the Arabian Gulf examines the ageing scenario and concerns through analyses of international data bases (the US Census Bureau and the United Nations), and national-level data bases (Censuses and Surveys), apart from a review of published researches. Transitions in demography and epidemiology lead to gains in life expectancy and thus reduce fertility, resulting in an ageing population in the region. Even after accounting for adult immigrants, indices and age pyramids show an increasing ageing trend in the total population, demonstrating an ageing workforce. Besides, the exclusive native population analysis reveals a trend of expansive pyramids (pre-transitional stage) turning to constrictive (transition stage) and cylindrical (post-transitional stage) shapes. Age-based indices such as the index of ageing, age dependency ratio, and median age confirm this trend. While a feminine nature of ageing is vivid, gains in life expectancy and causes of death in old age indicating comorbidity compression are concerns to ageing. Preparations are in demand to cope with ageing in different dimensions, as explained in the United Nations Plans of Action. A strategy of strengthening informal care with supportive semiformal and supplementary formal care networks would alleviate this crisis associated with population ageing.