Implication of Changes in the Spatial Distribution of Elderly in Saudi Arabia. Introduction

Transcription

1 Implication of Changes in the Spatial Distribution of Elderly in Saudi Arabia Dr. Mohammed AlGabbani Department of Geography King Saud University South-east Asian Conference on Ageing Kuala Lumpur, July 18, 2010 Introduction In the last three decades, Saudi Arabia has passed through two major population changes : 1.Rapid urban growth ( presently 88% urban compared with 20% back in 1950 ) 2.Lower fertility and higher longevity. One consequence is the increase of aged people in urban areas mainly major centers.

2 Study Objectives This study tries to describe changes in elderly spatial distribution, some of their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and look into their diverse needs and problems. The study is based on1974, 1992 and 2004 population censuses and 2007 demographic survey. Justification of the Study 1. The Significant and steady increase in the numbers of older people especially in urban centers and 2. The many problems and issues related to ageing ( poor health, Lower income, reduced activity, social isolation). All of the above requires attention either by officials or policy makers and researchers in order to help elderly live a decent live.

3 Relative Distribution of Saudi Population By Age Group( ) Age Group! % Change Less than Total Population Aging Population Distribution By Age Group(2007) Age group (years) % Total ,573

4 Growth Trends The number of elderly -aged 65years and over rosein absolute numbers from 401,861 in 1992to 609,573 in 2007 While the overall population grow at around 2.8 % a year, the older population grows faster at 3.4%per year. Population Pyramids

5 Population Pyramids Population Pyramids

6 Growth Trends Projection put the number at: About 2.5million persons by 2030 Around 5.9million persons in 2050 representing 6.6% and 13% of the total population respectively. Demographic and Socioeconomic Changes To give an idea of such changes we look into some demographic and socioeconomic indicators (1974 to 2004) Demographic: Birth rate has declined from 45.9 to Death rate has dropped from 16.9 to 3.8. Fertility ratedecreasedfrom 7.4 children/woman to 5.5.

7 Demographic and Socioeconomic Changes Median ageincreased from 17.9 years to 23.3 years. Old age index increased from 47.5% in 1992 to 56.6% in Life expectancy was less than 50 in 1974 rose to 75.2 in The number of elderly aged 80+ was representing 21.7% of population of aged in Demographic and Socioeconomic Changes Socioeconomic: Increased educational opportunities for females resulted in agrowth in female labor force participation and change in the traditional roles of women(as a housewife) and hence late marriage age Lowfertility rate( birth control).

8 Demographic and Socioeconomic Changes Other Socio-economic changes: 1.Rise in income levels.(the propensity of elderly to live alone varies with their income as well as with income of their sons). 2.Rise in divorce rates cases of divorce against cases of marriage were registered in (With rising incidence of divorce an increase in the proportion of older persons who will live without partner is expected. urban growth In 2005, Riyadh had the largest population around 5 millions

9 Changes of Riyadh s Population Age Structure Age Group % Change Less than Total Population Median Age Changes in the Spatial Distribution Most large cities have large numbers of elderly people than the national average Future increase in the elderly population in major cities is expected. The question is : How can cities better serve elderly people given the many problems cities faces?

10 Changes in the Spatial Distribution Many cities now offer services that are critical to the well-being of elderly Saudi Elderly Profile Males 50.4% more than females 49.6%. 11.3% of elderly were in labor force (94.3% males 5.7% females). 34% were house wives 26.01% were retirees

11 Social Status Living Arrangement

12 Education Saudi Elderly Profile The relatively low proportion of elderly living with other family members indicates an increasing trend towards nuclear family household. Nuclear family is slowly replacing the extended family which has a negative impact on the traditional family role as provider of care to older persons.

13 Regional: Spatial Distribution In 2007 three of Saudi Arabia s 13 regions namely Riyadh, Makkah and Eastern had the highest proportions (52.8% ) of the country s aged being the most populous regions. Region Riyadh Makkah Eastern Aseer Qaseem Hail Madinah Northern Jouf Baha Najran Jazan Tabouk Total Changes in the Regional Distribution of Elderly Saudi Aged Aged %Change

14 Changes in the Spatial Distribution The absolute number of aged is not as high in the other regions except Asser because of out migration of the young, there is a noticeable increase in the number of people in this age group in all regions. Changes in the Spatial Distribution City level: Ageing is increasing in urban areas due to the migration. Six of the largest cities in the country (Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Taif, Dammam and Medinah each having one million or more ) account for almost 54% % of Saudi Arabia s total population. Their total population topped 12 million.

15 The case of Riyadh In 2005, Riyadh had the largest population around 5 millions. Growth rate was 8% now stands at 5% The City population doubles every 15 years. Changes of Riyadh s Population Age Structure Age Group % Change Less than Total Population Median Age

16 Implications Increased in elderly population will have an impact on cities transportation, housing, health care, public safety, and social services Implications Cities today have a growing number of poor older persons. Low wages, and employment insecurities make some of the urban dwellers unable to meet the requirements of their ageing parents.

17 Implications In big cities it is difficult to keep the traditional family relationship compared to rural areas. and often aged face loss of social networks and suffer from isolation and loneliness. Implications In cities, more elderly people live alone. some because of residential mobility are far from where their sons live.

18 The social well-being of elderly Health service is free but not adequate Saudi Arabia public and private sectors provide pensions for their employees. The number of retirees swell from 252,004 persons in 2004 to 911 thousands in 2009.(Saudi Public Pension Agency) The social well-being of elderly Many of the retirees were low paid and consequently have low pensions. Findings from a sample of Saudi retirees in indicated that : The monthly pension of 22% of the retirees was about $279 putting part of pensioners at poverty. 54%their monthly pensions were below $1100

19 The social well-being of elderly Elderly (especially non-working women) and men who were self employed such as animal herders, farmers, fishermen, taxi drivers have no pensions and most are considered poor. Some of those receive government assistance through social security allowances which cover only some of their needs. Due to the lack of data it is difficult to assess the extent of income security and the social well being of elderly in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion With the steady increase of elderly Their quality of life of deserve serious attention including: 1.Family care 2.Health care 3.Old age pensions 4.Job opportunities for those below 70 since Some of the elderly people today areedifferent from those of the past., healthier-and better educated. 1.Housing and transportation in urban areas.

20 Conclusion The existing pensions need to be revised and the scheme should be expanded especially to the poor. widows and in urban squatters dwellers. conclusion Most important there is a need to apply policies and programs that enhance and strengthen familial ties and assist relatives care for the elderly within the family environment rather than institutions, as these institutions cannot substitute love affection from one's own family and abiding by Islamic teachings in this regard, where In Islam, serving one's parents is a duty.

21 The Holy Quran says; Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and be kind to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, do not say 'off' to them or admonish them, but speak to them in terms of honor and kindness. Treat them with humility, and say, 'My Lord! Have mercy on them, for they did care for me when I was little'. ( ). A society for elderly care is considered necessary to build data base, conduct research, and to encourage community involvement in providing services, financial support to elderly. Now, as the proportion of the population living in cities is increasing very fast, the demography of urbanisation will matter more and more which require a better distribution of population through a national policy devoted to controlling the growth of major cities and enhancing growth and development of small towns and medium size cities where live will be less costly socially and economically for all.

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