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  • Title: [Population aging in the Sahel: a process of contrasts].
    Author: Kouame A, Richmond T.
    Journal: Pop Sahel; 1995 Mar; (22):12-4. PubMed ID: 12346444.
    Abstract:
    Demographic aging has been occurring in developing countries over many years. The size of the elderly population in Africa is steadily rising, yet its proportion relative to the entire population remains low. Demographic aging in Africa is occurring without a corresponding decrease in the proportion of the youth. Africa maintains high fertility, while mortality has decreased considerably and the quality of life has improved. Thus, demographic aging is a corollary of development. It can have negative consequences for society as well as for the elderly themselves if aging is not addressed. In the case of Africa, some demographers think that fertility will remain the most immediate determining cause of demographic aging due to its impact on population structure. Thus, aging will remain insignificant for a long time. Other demographers think that mortality is the leading determining factor of demographic aging because life expectancy in the advanced ages in developing countries matches that in developed countries. This view reinforces the insignificance of demographic aging in Africa. Gains in life expectancy in Africa could be attributed to a reduction in infant mortality. Stagnant fertility combined with reduced infant mortality contributes to a very pronounced rejuvenation of African populations. Demographic aging is not yet an important phenomenon in Mali. Mali is very open to emigration, which changes the population structure because the economically active age group leaves. 6.2% of the population of Mali were elderly in 1987, and 6.3% were in 1976. Demographic aging results in an increase in widows. It will lead to a variety of family structures, which could mean a different status for the elderly. Population research and policies should address the changes in the quality of life of the elderly.
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