Aging population of the Barents Euro-Arctic Region

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the study is to find out a specificity of population aging process within the young geo-political construction at the northern edge of Europe entitled Barents Euro-Arctic Region (BEAR). Particular attention is paid to health issues under the conditions of profound demographic transformation such as population aging in BEAR. Study designStudy is designed as an in-depth analysis of health and aging patterns at a societal level in BEAR territories. The work has referred to official statistical databases, governmental reports and academic publications as basement data sources. MethodsThe epidemiological part applies the indices related to the important health problems of senior citizens in BEAR: life expectancy, morbidity and mortality have been evaluated at a recent date. Population aging analysis utilizes globally approved metrics including the proportion of the population aged 60 year and over, aging index, general and old age dependency ratios as well as parent support ratio. There is an approach towards spatial assessment by focusing at each of 13 territories constituting the Barents region. ResultsResults of the research show a considerable intensity of population aging in the studied region as a whole, although divergent extent of the phenomenon has been revealed across the component BEAR territories. ConclusionsThe article provides an evidence for the further discussion about optimizing BEAR regional policy on aging.