Phenomenon Of Population Aging Research Articles

Reflections on the Challenges of Old-age Security and Policy Options for an Ageing Population

The global phenomenon of population aging is advancing at an unprecedented pace, particularly in China, where the accelerating aging process poses substantial challenges to the existing pension security system. The issue of elderly care has emerged as a critical topic in the realms of society, economy, and politics, impacting national sustainability and social stability. The challenges brought about by an aging society extend beyond the pressures of pension payments and insufficient elderly care services, encompassing risks related to funding sources and management, as well as concerns over the fairness of the security system. In the face of these challenges, there is an urgent need to optimize pension policies, advance pension system reforms, enhance the elderly care service system, and strengthen the coordination between social and medical security to construct a more equitable and sustainable pension security framework. Measures must be collaboratively advanced through top-level institutional design, policy execution efficiency, and societal involvement to provide robust support in addressing the challenges of aging. This paper will delve into the impact of population aging on the pension security system, analyze the current state and shortcomings of policies, and propose strategies to enhance the system's resilience, offering insights and recommendations for strengthening the pension security framework.

Population aging management from the perspective of the health field of Iran and other countries: A scoping review

Population aging is one of the challenging phenomena where due to health changes and the importance of different levels of prevention, the country’s health system is most responsible for it. Therefore, it is responsible for providing responsible service and dealing with challenges and obstacles to successfully face the aging phenomenon. In this regard, the study was conducted aiming to identify inefficiencies and solutions to face the phenomenon of population aging from the perspective of the health field in Iran and other countries. The study is a domain review that was conducted by searching for specialized words in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Mbase, and ProQuest databases and the Persian databases of the National Journals Information Bank, the Islamic Jihad Scientific Database, Irandoc, and the World of Islam Citation Database. The findings were analyzed based on 57 articles. In order to validate the findings, the opinions of five experts in the fields of health care management, social medicine, psychology, and health policy were used in the classification and completion of data. According to the findings, the challenges of the health system in facing the aging phenomenon were “inefficiencies of the health system”, “medication and treatment problems”, “costs and financing of the health system”, “inefficiencies related to health system employees”, “information and technology challenges”, “service challenges”, “health literacy and unfavorable lifestyle”, and “individual and social obstacles”, and the solutions to successfully face the aging phenomenon include “formulating laws and executive policies”, “prevention and treatment”, “supplying and developing resources”, “development of knowledge and technological performance”, “development of stakeholders’ participation”, “elderly centered”, and “social determinants of health”. The breadth and diversity of the findings indicate that the health system should be updated and strengthened in various social, economic, political, legislative, and executive dimensions in order to successfully tackle the aging phenomenon, and it should consider empowerment and attitude improvement programs of managers and health staff as well as the elderly.

A scoping review of the impact of ageing on individual consumers' insurance purchase intentions

Recently, the phenomenon of population ageing and its impact on the insurance industry has garnered increasing global attention. However, a notable gap in scholarly research persists in understanding the nuanced effects of ageing on consumer behaviour and insurance purchase intentions. This study maps the current academic evidence on how ageing influences individual consumers' insurance decisions. Using a scoping review methodology aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, 44 articles out of 1082 from four databases—Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Emerald Insight—are reviewed. The results reveal a rising interest in this research area, with China emerging as a significant contributor. The focus is predominantly on Theory of Planned Behavior, quantitative methods, questionnaire survey, regression analysis, older population, and general health insurance. Variables capturing the impact of ageing, beyond demographic information, include family-related, risk-related, and expectation-related factors. This study highlights the current state of research on ageing's effect on insurance purchase intentions and offers valuable insights and directions for future research.

Nationwide mortality trends from 2001 to 2020 in Greece: health policy implications under the scope of aging societies

ObjectiveThis nationwide study aims to analyze mortality trends for all individual causes in Greece from 2001 to 2020, with a specific focus on 2020, a year influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Greece is the fastest-aging country in Europe, the study’s findings can be generalized to other aging societies, guiding the reevaluation of global health policies. MethodsData on the population and the number of deaths were retrieved from the Hellenic Statistical Authority. We calculated age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and cause-specific mortality rates by sex in three age groups (0–64, 65–79, and 80+ years) from 2001 to 2020. Proportional mortality rates for 2020 were determined. Statistical analysis used generalized linear models with Python Programming Language. ResultsFrom 2001 to 2020, the ASMR of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) decreased by 42.7% (p < 0.0001), with declines in most sub-causes, except for hypertensive diseases, which increased by 2.8-fold (p < 0.0001). In 2020, the proportional mortality rates of the three leading causes were 34.9% for CVD, 23.5% for neoplasms, and 9.6% for respiratory diseases (RD). In 2020, CVD were the leading cause of death among individuals aged 80+ years (39.3%), while neoplasms were the leading cause among those aged 0–79 years (37.7%). Among cardiovascular sub-causes, cerebrovascular diseases were predominant in the 80+ year age group (30.3%), while ischemic heart diseases were most prevalent among those aged 0–79 years (up to 60.0%). ConclusionsThe global phenomenon of population aging necessitates a reframing of health policies in our aging societies, focusing on diseases with either a high mortality burden, such as CVD, neoplasms, and RD, or those experiencing increasing trends, such as hypertensive diseases.

Активное долголетие: дефиниция понятия, основные детерминанты и противоречия

Introduction. With the increasing share of elderly people in the population, shifting the focus of attention towards solving the problems of healthy longevity is one of the conditions for ensuring social, economic and geopolitical sustainability of modern society. However, despite the relevance of the issue, we can talk about the existence of a number of problems that reduce the effectiveness of the implementation of the active longevity policy and dictate the need for further theoretical and empirical research.The purpose of the article is to elaborate the definition of active longevity, analyze and systematize the main determinants affecting the increase in life expectancy and quality of life, and identify the key contradictions demonstrating the vulnerable nature of the concept of active longevity as a political, economic and social construct.Methodology. The methodology of the study is based on the concepts of active longevity, demographic, epidemiological and reverse epidemiological transitions, approaches considering active longevity specifics in male and female populations, the theory of demographic security and demographic well-being. To confirm the theoretical conclusions, a secondary analysis of the results of sociological research on this issue was used. The information base of the article was compiled by the official statistics of the United Nations and the Federal State Statistics Service.Results. To study the phenomenon of active longevity, the scientific literature uses concepts that affect various aspects of the well-being of elderly people and best meet the needs and/or challenges of a modern “aging" society.The whole set of factors of active longevity can be conditionally combined into three groups: macro-, meso- and micro-level factors. In the case of a society in a state of permanent transformation, socio-economic, political, cultural and historical factors, the state of ecology, the specifics of social structure and stratification, working and living conditions, and the development of social networks are decisive.An analysis of strategic regulatory documents at the international and Russian levels, adopted as part of the implementation of the active longevity strategy has demonstrated a shift in emphasis to considering the problems of population aging not as a demographic threat, but as a global process that provides new opportunities for realizing the potential of the population of older age groups and society as a whole.Conclusions. A conceptual understanding of the phenomenon of population aging in scientific and political discourse, including a shift in focus towards active longevity, opens up great prospects both for the elderly themselves and for the state interested in realizing the potential of older people, including for ensuring socio-economic, political and demographic security and sustainability.The classification of determinants of active longevity proposed in this article covers the entire set of macro-, meso- and micro-level factors and can be used to adjust active longevity strategies at the federal and regional levels.It is also important to take into account and resolve the contradictions that demonstrate the vulnerability of the concept of active longevity and require close attention from authorities, public structures and the scientific community.

Factors Shaping Exercise Patterns and Health Status among the Elderly in Aging Nations: A South Korean Perspective.

The global phenomenon of population aging requires an understanding of the factors influencing the health of the elderly becomes imperative. We aimed to focus on South Korea, a nation set to become an aging society by 2025. The study examined the influence of regular exercise and exercise types on the health of the elderly with particular attention to South Korea's unique sociodemographic context. We targeted individuals aged 50 yr and above. The study was conducted through online surveys from August to September 2023. Utilizing Logistic Regression analysis and Chi-Square tests, the research explored correlations, trends, and influencing factors affecting elderly exercise behaviors, encompassing demographic variables, health status, and exercise types. The analysis of demographic characteristics revealed that marital status, education level, and financial status displayed diverse representations within the sample. Comparisons between health status and exercise groups suggested potential health benefits for the Regular Exercise group. Logistic Regression analysis identified significant influences of gender and financial status on regular exercise engagement. Additionally, a strong relationship between health status and exercise preferences, notably strength training, emerged. Regular exercise and exercise types benefit elderly individuals. Men and those with better financial status are more likely to exercise regularly. Strength training emerges as a significant contributor to better health across various health status categories. Policymakers and healthcare professionals should consider these insights to develop targeted interventions for promoting healthy aging, acknowledging the cultural and socioeconomic factors of South Korea's aging population.

Bidirectional and Dynamic Relationships Between Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older Adults in China

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the bidirectional associations and temporal dynamics between social isolation (SI) and loneliness among older adults. DesignThis is a prospective cohort study. Setting and ParticipantsWith the global phenomenon of population aging, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of SI and loneliness among older adults. These factors exert substantial impacts on the health and well-being of this population. Consequently, it is imperative to implement more effective interventions targeting SI and combating loneliness in order to enhance the overall health and well-being of older adults. MethodsData from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) were analyzed, focusing on individuals aged 65 and older. Generalized Cross-Lagged Modeling (GCLM) was used to assess these associations. ResultsThe findings reveal significant cross-lagged effects between SI and loneliness over the course of 16 years. Higher levels of SI at 1 time point predict increased loneliness scores in subsequent periods, and greater levels of loneliness at 1 time point predict higher SI scores in future periods. Notably, the impact of SI on loneliness is found to be larger and more enduring compared to the influence of loneliness on SI. These cross-lagged effects persist over an extended period, indicating a long-term reciprocal relationship between SI and loneliness among older adults. Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study provides valuable insights into the bidirectional associations between SI and loneliness among older adults. Given that the effect of SI dominates, the findings suggest that public health strategies aimed at promoting health and well-being should prioritize interventions that enrich older adults’ social networks. Emphasizing early interventions aimed at enhancing social networks is essential for promoting healthy aging and overall well-being.

The Impact of Population Ageing on the Economy

In the face of the escalating global phenomenon of population aging, this comprehensive study seeks to explore the intricate and far-reaching consequences of aging on the global economy. The research background accentuates the profound reshaping of familial, societal, and national structures induced by this pervasive trend, giving rise to extensive economic apprehensions. Delving into critical domains such as the labor market, consumption patterns, and the social security system, the present paper systematically unravels the manifold opportunities and challenges arising from the aging population, drawing insights from an exhaustive review of both domestic and international literature and empirical cases. Employing a methodology encompassing literature reviews and in-depth case analyses, the study capitalizes on diverse global experiences to formulate adaptable and responsive strategies. The conclusive findings underscore the pressing need for the expeditious implementation of flexible policies and the fortification of social support structures. This study serves as a fount of profound insights for policymakers, offering a roadmap towards fostering sustainable societal development amidst the prevailing wave of population aging.

Mitigating cellular aging and enhancing cognitive functionality: visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy in neurocognitive disorders.

The growing phenomenon of population aging is redefining demographic dynamics, intensifying age-related conditions, especially dementia, projected to triple by 2050 with an enormous global economic burden. This study investigates visual arts-mediated Cognitive Activation Therapy (CAT) as a non-pharmacological CAT intervention targets both biological aging [leukocyte telomere length (LTL), DNA methylation age (DNAmAge)] and cognitive functionality. Aligning with a broader trend of integrating non-pharmacological approaches into dementia care. The longitudinal study involved 20 patients with mild to moderate neurocognitive disorders. Cognitive and functional assessments, and biological aging markers -i.e., LTL and DNAmAge- were analyzed before and after CAT intervention. Change in LTL was positively correlated with days of treatment (p =0.0518). LTL significantly elongated after intervention (p =0.0269), especially in men (p =0.0142), correlating with younger age (p =0.0357), and higher education (p =0.0008). DNAmAge remained instead stable post-treatment. Cognitive and functional improvements were observed for Copy of complex geometric figure, Progressive Silhouettes, Position Discrimination, Communication Activities of Daily Living-Second edition, Direct Functional Status (p < 0.0001) and Object decision (p =0.0594), but no correlations were found between LTL and cognitive gains. Visual arts-mediated CAT effectively mitigates cellular aging, especially in men, by elongating LTL. These findings underscore the potential of non-pharmacological interventions in enhancing cognitive and functional status and general well-being in dementia care. Further research with larger and longer-term studies is essential for validation.

Double-Gap Model for life expectancy for Argentina

In this work, a probabilistic method is implemented to estimate the life expectancy of men and women by age; the Double GAP or Double Gap method. The application to the case of Argentina attempts to provide information on the phenomenon of population aging and its relationship with the pension system. Present estimates and projections of the life expectancy of men and women by age obtained through a probabilistic method that considers the differential by sex. The Double GAP or Double Gap method is estimated, and then the life expectancies at 60 and 65 years are selected (for women and men respectively), given that these are the retirement ages in Argentina and are present the forecasts and their corresponding confidence intervals. The forecasts of the Double Gap model indicate that life expectancy in Argentina at both 60 and 65 years of age will grow slightly until 2025. For women it increases by half a year, while for men the growth in hope is slightly higher. The latter also shows a slow trend towards a convergence between male and female life expectancies. It is evident that Argentina is far from registering a record in life expectancy worldwide for these ages, because the life expectancy forecasts generated by the Double Gap model for the country are very far from the trend of good practices (series of maximums in life expectancy).

The Impact of Population Aging on Risk-free Rate

This study delves into the relationship between the long-term trend of population aging and the risk-free rate against the backdrop of China's diminishing demographic dividend and declining birth rate. It further examines the mechanisms via which population aging affects the risk-free rate. The phenomenon of population aging is distinguished by a rise in the percentage of older individuals and a decline in the percentage of younger individuals, hence exerting a diverse range of effects on the economy. The demographic transition holds significant influence over savings, investment, labor supply, and interest rates, making it a crucial macroeconomic issue. This study employs a literature review methodology and conducts data analysis to construct a "elderly population ratio" framework grounded in life cycle theory. The objective is to investigate the correlation and knowledge significance of the risk-free rate.

Nutritional needs and dietary disease prevention measures of the elderly

In recent years, the phenomenon of population aging has become increasingly severe, and population aging and chronic diseases in the elderly have become a serious global challenge that must be addressed immediately. Due to deteriorating physiological functions, the elderly's metabolic rate has slowed, their ability to absorb and digest nutrients is poor, and their resistance to disease has progressively diminished. Therefore, the elderly should adhere to a rational and scientific diet to supplement the various nutrients their bodies require for optimal health. In this paper, the author examines the nutritional requirements of the geriatric and the diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, stomach diseases, intestinal diseases, and dental diseases, among others. Suitable preventative measures are also proposed, which can strengthen the dietary structure of senior citizens in China, improve their health, and reduce their risk of chronic diseases to a certain degree.

A novel for an ageing population? Masculinity and demographic shift in David Lodge'sDeaf Sentence(2008)

AbstractThis article examines David Lodge's novelDeaf Sentence(2008), which focuses on the life of Desmond, a retired professor of linguistics. I argue that this text offers a standpoint through which readers can visualise the global phenomenon of population ageing and address the question of global responsibility. I look atDeaf Sentencewithin the tradition of the Bakhtinian polyphonic novel and through the lens of the campus novel that Lodge discusses in his critical writing. The analysis of dialogism and self‐reflexivity illuminates the reverberations of global ageing on the life of Desmond, situating questions of wellbeing and demography within a narrative perspective. Detailing their struggles with isolation, incontinence and erectile dysfunction, the narration of Desmond and his father growing older sheds light on the limitations of biomedical scripts for older men based on bodily control and sexual performativity. Considering the tension of biomedical discourses and gender expectations informing the cultural construction of ageing in the global North, I contend that Lodge's writing exposes the limits of the neoliberal ideals of self‐sufficiency and individual responsibility at the heart of the notion of successful ageing. Echoing Desmond's self‐reflection,Deaf Sentenceoffers its reader a standpoint through which to reflect on his problematic participation in the neoliberal, patriarchal regimes that marginalise him. Interpreting the novel as a space for deconstructing the ideal of an autonomous and independent subject postulated by neoliberal discourses, I readDeaf Sentenceas an invitation to its readers to embrace their own vulnerability, fostering ethics of care towards themselves and the other.

Association between co-exposure to phenols, phthalates, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with the risk of frailty.

The phenomenon of population aging has brought forth the challenge of frailty. Nevertheless, the contribution of environmental exposure to frailty remains ambiguous. Our objective was to investigate the association between phenols, phthalates (PAEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with frailty. We constructed a 48-item frailty index using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The exposure levels of 20 organic contaminants were obtained from the survey circle between 2005 and 2016. The association between individual organic contaminants and the frailty index was assessed using negative binomial regression models. The combined effect of organic contaminants was examined using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. Dose-response patterns were modeled using generalized additive models (GAMs). Additionally, an interpretable machine learning approach was employed to develop a predictive model for the frailty index. A total of 1566 participants were included in the analysis. Positive associations were observed between exposure to MIB, P02, ECP, MBP, MHH, MOH, MZP, MC1, and P01 with the frailty index. WQS regression analysis revealed a significant increase in the frailty index with higher levels of the mixture of organic contaminants (aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.20; p < 0.001), with MIB, ECP, COP, MBP, P02, and P01 identified as the major contributors. Dose-response relationships were observed between MIB, ECP, MBP, P02, and P01 exposure with an increased risk of frailty (both with p < 0.05). The developed predictive model based on organic contaminants exposure demonstrated high performance, with an R2 of 0.9634 and 0.9611 in the training and testing sets, respectively. Furthermore, the predictive model suggested potential synergistic effects in the MIB-MBP and P01-P02 pairs. Taken together, these findings suggest a significant association between exposure to phthalates and PAHs with an increased susceptibility to frailty.

Unveiling the Evolution of Eldercare Facilities in Rural China: Tracing the Trajectory from Eldercare Support Pattern and Service to Facilities for the Aging Population.

The phenomenon of population aging in rural China presents a compelling societal challenge, necessitating a growing demand for both the quantity and quality of facilities supporting the needs of older people. However, a lack of comprehensive understanding concerning the underlying mechanisms that drive the emergence of these facilities, coupled with the distinctive historical backdrop and social development stage of the nation, engenders complexities in achieving sustainable rural eldercare services. This paper endeavors to comprehensively elucidate diverse eldercare facility types in rural China, delineating their intrinsic characteristics and prerequisites for construction. Additionally, the research delves into the political and economic contexts and advancements in healthcare and eldercare services, culminating in the formulation of an integrated framework that interconnects eldercare support patterns with the political landscape and public service provisions. The implications derived from this nuanced framework provide insightful reflections on significant historical transitions, intricacies faced by rural eldercare facilities, and strategic pathways for fostering future eldercare service delivery systems and allied facilities. The paper's findings furnish insights for bolstering the well-being of the aging population in rural China and lay a substantive foundation for addressing the evolving requisites of eldercare within this distinctive context.

Ageing and its consequences - the use of virtual reality (VR) as a tool to visualize the problems of the elderly.

The population ageing phenomenon is mainly attributable to the increasing proportion of people >60 years of age. This demographic situation requires more attention to the needs of the elderly. Given the lack of effective methods to expand the knowledge of and increase sensitivity to elderly people's problems, especially among the younger generation, an attempt has been made to use virtual reality (VR) to prepare an educational tool focused on these problems. This paper will focus on the use of VR in depicting fundamental problems in the daily live of older people. For project purposes, a questionnaire (26 question) was developed, concerning data on socio-demographic situation, health and physical conditions; social, living and housing support needs. Additionally, qualitative interviews were conducted with elderly people regarding their needs about housing arrangements and daily activities. It was distributed to 100 people, 34 completed questionnaires were obtained from 30 women and 4 men. The study results were intended as information that would provide the basis for developing VR scenarios, not for the epidemiological purposes. The mean age of the respondents was 73.7±7.5 (60‒86 years). Different situations, as heavy housework, lifting/carrying heavy objects, lifting hands above the shoulder level, bending and squatting were identified that pose problems for elderly people. Based on these results, 3 scenario proposals were prepared, including situations: in the bathroom, in the supermarket, on a trip to the city. These scenarios were used to prepare the exercises in VR in the frame of European project - the Mixed Reality on Universal Design's Secret Service (Mr. UD) Project. The use of immersive technology such as VR can be beneficial for young people to be able to see perspectives of the elderly. Students from various fields (medicine, nursing, future engineers, designers, sociologists, etc.) may feel like the elderly and experience their daily challenges. Med Pr. 2023;74(3):159-70.

Biomarkers of ageing: Current state‐of‐art, challenges, and opportunities

AbstractGiven the unprecedented phenomenon of population ageing, studies have increasing captured the heterogeneity within the ageing process. In this context, the concept of “biological age” has been introduced as an integrated measure reflecting the individualized ageing pace. Identifying reliable and robust biomarkers of age is critical for the accurate risk stratification of individuals and exploration into antiageing interventions. Numerous potential biomarkers of ageing have been proposed, spanning from molecular changes and imaging characteristics to clinical phenotypes. In this review, we will start off with a discussion of the development of ageing biomarkers, then we will provide a comprehensive summary of currently identified ageing biomarkers in humans, discuss the rationale behind each biomarker and highlight their accuracy and clinical value with a contemporary perspective. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges, potential applications, and future opportunities in this field. While research on ageing biomarkers has led to significant progress and applications, further investigations are still necessary. We anticipate that future breakthroughs in this field will involve exploring potential mechanisms, developing biomarkers by combining various data sources or employing new technologies, and validating the clinical value of existing and emerging biomarkers through comprehensive collaboration and longitudinal studies.

The socioeconomic consequences of population ageing: aspects of modern challenges in the Russian Federation

Purpose: the article summarizes the key characteristics of the population ageing phenomenon and identifies the channels through which it has an impact on the demographic crisis parameters as well as the socioeconomic growth of the country.Methods: the study is based on tracking the consequences associated with the phenomenon of population ageing. Simultaneously, computational and graphical methods, comparative and retrospective analysis of the sex and age pyramids, expert and empirical assessment of the trends in the structure of the population older than 60-65 years, as well as its economic burden per 1,000 able-bodied people, were used.Results: the main parameters of the socioeconomic impacts of population ageing are determined. Age limits and essential features of this phenomenon are revealed. The forecast trend of socioeconomic parameters of population ageing is supported by the SWOT analysis matrix, and a conceptual model for the implementation of systematic adjustment measures for the ongoing demographic crisis is proposed.Conclusions and Relevance: the article demonstrates that population ageing is not a fundamental socioeconomic problem that endangers the well-being of the population over working age. However, it has many negative consequences for the socioeconomic growth of the country that are still being researched; the real threats come not from population ageing as such, but from the existing disproportion in the workload of the population over 60-65 years old per 1,000 able-bodied population. Despite the relative parameters of the ageing trend in Russia, in the future, the life expectancy of the population will be 73.58-75.03 years.

Aging of the population and the quality of life

The paper aims at presenting the quality of life in terms of the deepening population aging process conditioned (to a great extent) by the progressive convergence of technologies. The interdisciplinary, theoretical nature of the considerations is a voice in the discussion on the interpretation, place, and role of quality of life, with particular emphasis on the extension of human life as a consequence of medical development.&#x0D; The authors applied the descriptive analysis method to present the category of quality of life, the phenomenon of population aging, the specificity of technological changes, and selected issues in the field of demographic changes. Polish and foreign literature on the subject was the basis for the considerations. The theoretical aspect of the research is supplemented by the empirical part supported by available secondary data published by Eurostat and Statistics Poland (Główny Urząd Statystyczny).&#x0D; Poland has been in the top thirty demographically old countries in the world for many years. In 1967, it crossed the threshold of demographic old age, and in 1980 — the threshold of advanced demographic old age. The demographic forecasts of Statistics Poland indicate that the number of people in retirement age will increase, and in 2035, it will reach 26.7% of the population. The observed and forecasted decline in the total population and the growth in the number of people in the senior age lead to an increase in the demographic dependency ratio of the elderly.&#x0D; The convergence of technologies revealed in medicine creates a new perspective on the population aging process. Extending human life allows one to recognize that the quality of life becomes: 1. the most desirable result of all healthcare policies; 2. dependent on the change of the healthcare model, i.e., the transition from the dominant model of reactive and retrospective care to the desired proactive and prospective model.

Demographic dynamics and characteristics of urbanization in Albania in the third decade of transition: the determining steps in shaping the demographic-territorial model of transition

The third phase of urbanization of Albania in transition was shaped by: (i) external migration; (ii) decline in natural population growth; and (iii) internal migration. In the period 2014-2022, 178,094 more inhabitants left Albania than returned. This number has increased a lot in the last two years, which also shows the future trend of the phenomenon. Another contributor to this basic national phenomenon remains the level of natural population growth. During the years 2014-2022, Albania: (i) grew by 42,054 new inhabitants, as a result of natural growth (birth-death difference); and, this growth has generally come in a downward trend, where it is worth differentiating the year 2021 where the natural growth is negative. The phenomenon of population aging accompanied this transition decade. Internal migration led to large-scale urbanization of some areas and drastic depopulation of others. The internal migration scheme contributed to the further deepening of the demographic difference between the three main regions of the country: Greater Region Tirana-Durres; The Middle Region Fier-Vlora and the Abandoned Region that includes the other eight districts of the country. Internal migratory movements are also clearly visible at the inter-county level. For the period 2014-2016, the districts of Tirana, Fier, Durrës and Vlora experienced growth and hold the main weight of the total population, which is expressed by about 58%. Internal demographic movements continued to contribute to the deepening of demographic differences between the three regions of the country, even in the 2017-2019 period. Large districts will continue to remain so and grow further, while small districts will continue to shrink. Even in the following three years, 2020-2022, internal demographic movements continued to contribute to the deepening of demographic differences between the three regions of the country. These demographic dynamics established the demographic-territorial model of the country and the dominance of the District of Tirana over the other 11 districts of the country.