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  • Title: [Demographic knowledge and family planning in Colombia].
    Author: Ojeda G, Ordonez M.
    Journal: Profamilia; 1989 Jun; 5(14):11-21. PubMed ID: 12315835.
    Abstract:
    One of the criticisms made of family planning programs, especially when they are as successful as that of PROFAMILA, is the lowering of fertility rates to the alarming degree as that experienced by many European countries. This demographic phenomenon, characteristic of developed countries has acquired a negative effect because of the rapidly aging population without a replacement young population. This "European" problem can be analyzed from 2 perspectives: 1) the low rates of the region's total population; and 2) the European population can be connected to that of the world population. Based on data from Dr. Day's article in Family Planning Perspectives (May/June 1988) the amount of time required to replace Europe's population of 1940 is substantial. For example, it would take 45 years for Austria and 135 for France to replace their populations. Instead, the issue of concern could be Europe's loss of power in the world in lieu of the rapidly growing populations of the Third World. The author discounts such a notion by referring to historical events and by projecting that by the year 2025 Europe will represent 18% of the world population. Ultimately it is the quality of the people that is important, not the quantity. According to Day it is more important to know the amount of time left than knowing how long one has been alive. Life expectancy is based on the health standards of a country, and the genetic quality of the population in question. The issue of longevity includes people whose life expectancy at the time of the census was 10 years or less; the majority of those over 65 in Europe, represent 10-15% of this category. 1 out of 7 Europeans over 65 are in excellent physical condition, while those over 65 in the Third World represent a small minority. The article discusses several alternatives in raising fertility rates in Europe but concludes that the most rational approach is keeping 15% of the population over 65 gainfully employed.
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