Who, if not the State, Will Care for Elderly Ukrainians?

15.03.12
Worldwide demographics are undergoing profound changes—we are seeing a sharp increase in the number of elderly people in the population. Individuals aged 60-74 and over 75 are the fastest growing demographic categories in the world today. Soon, for the first time ever, the number of individuals aged 65+ will be greater than the number of those aged 5 and younger. The world is transitioning from an era of high birth and mortality to an era of low birth and mortality, and therefore to an aging population.

According to Radio Liberty 11 million Ukrainian citizens are 65 years of age and older. Nearly a quarter of the population is made up of geriatric individuals; and one of six of them is alone.

Caritas Ukraine plays a significant role in caring for the elderly and for those with special needs, HIV and AIDS in Ukraine.