Health of Mexican seniors improves drastically with income supplementation
The number of elderly people is steadily increasing around the world, but not all nations have been able to take steps to keep up with the trend–supporting the special needs of the senior population. While countries such as the United States have been able to provide government assistance programs for seniors, other countries have not yet implemented such protocols. When it comes to the health of the aging, however, particularly in developing nations, even minor assistance can make a huge difference. SEE ALSO: Hispanic seniors need to take advantage of this health benefit NOW Such were the findings associated with a new study published in the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences“ this week. Researchers, headed up by Emma Aguila, James P. Smith and Arie Kapteyn, looked at seniors living in Motul and Valladolid, two cities in the state of Yucatan in Mexico. Study participants were over 70-years-old, and were considered to be living in poverty. “Elderly populations are growing around the world,” said Smith in a press release. “This work provides insight on what pension programs might accomplish in developing nations, which are beginning to address these issues.” Researchers divided study participants into two groups: one receiving an additional $67 per month, a 44 percent increase in average household income, and one group receiving no assistance. In just 6 months, the group allotted extra funds demonstrated improved health, specifically in the areas of lung function and memory. Participants told researchers the extra money was spent primarily on doctor visits, food and medication. “Both state and national governments in Mexico, like those throughout Latin America, have expanded pension programs in recent years,” said Aguila. “This study shows that such programs can benefit greatly the growing older population in Mexico and developing nations facing similar demographic challenges.” The research sheds light on an important concern for Mexico and other developing nations in the near future; the elderly population is growing, and something needs to be done to promote healthy senior living. According to AARP, by 2050, Mexico’s median age will be 43–significantly higher than it is now at 27. What’s more, the nation’s life expectancy rose from 36 years in 1950 to 74 years in 2000 without any sign of slowing down. SEE ALSO: Proper senior nutrition to keep you active in those golden years The good news is that it doesn’t take much to significantly boost senior health. “We found strong evidence that supplementing the income of poor, elderly populations can have significant benefits to health and well-being, even in the short run,” said Kapteyn.The post Health of Mexican seniors improves drastically with income supplementation appeared first on Voxxi.
The number of elderly people is steadily increasing around the world, but not all nations have been able to take steps to keep up with the trend–supporting the special needs of the senior population. While countries such as the United States have been able to provide government assistance programs for seniors, other countries have not yet implemented such protocols.
When it comes to the health of the aging, however, particularly in developing nations, even minor assistance can make a huge difference.
SEE ALSO: Hispanic seniors need to take advantage of this health benefit NOW
Such were the findings associated with a new study published in the journal “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences“ this week. Researchers, headed up by Emma Aguila, James P. Smith and Arie Kapteyn, looked at seniors living in Motul and Valladolid, two cities in the state of Yucatan in Mexico. Study participants were over 70-years-old, and were considered to be living in poverty.
“Elderly populations are growing around the world,” said Smith in a press release. “This work provides insight on what pension programs might accomplish in developing nations, which are beginning to address these issues.”
Researchers divided study participants into two groups: one receiving an additional $67 per month, a 44 percent increase in average household income, and one group receiving no assistance. In just 6 months, the group allotted extra funds demonstrated improved health, specifically in the areas of lung function and memory. Participants told researchers the extra money was spent primarily on doctor visits, food and medication.
“Both state and national governments in Mexico, like those throughout Latin America, have expanded pension programs in recent years,” said Aguila. “This study shows that such programs can benefit greatly the growing older population in Mexico and developing nations facing similar demographic challenges.”
The research sheds light on an important concern for Mexico and other developing nations in the near future; the elderly population is growing, and something needs to be done to promote healthy senior living. According to AARP, by 2050, Mexico’s median age will be 43–significantly higher than it is now at 27. What’s more, the nation’s life expectancy rose from 36 years in 1950 to 74 years in 2000 without any sign of slowing down.
SEE ALSO: Proper senior nutrition to keep you active in those golden years
The good news is that it doesn’t take much to significantly boost senior health. “We found strong evidence that supplementing the income of poor, elderly populations can have significant benefits to health and well-being, even in the short run,” said Kapteyn.
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The post Health of Mexican seniors improves drastically with income supplementation appeared first on Voxxi.
