Denise Eldemire-Shearer | How prepared are we for Jamaica’s ageing population?

Jamaica has recognised that it has an ageing population, but the current discussion seem focused on labour force concerns. However, consideration of an ageing population needs a much broader multisectoral approach as ageing has profound implications for economic growth and fiscal sustainability. Jamaica did not have an ageing population overnight, and it should not be a surprise to planners.

It was a well-thought-out objective 50 years ago (1972) when examining population policy and development. Several things were done to ensure Jamaica’s population did not exceed three million by 2020. The National Population Policy spoke to balancing population growth with development goals by managing population growth. To achieve the same family planning programmes, and set a target of two children per female/family. The current reduced fertility is a success for the family planning efforts of earlier years and the National Population Policy.

Interestingly, the population policy spoke to taking advantage of the “window of opportunity” created by the favourable age structure of the population in order to realise the demographic dividend, which is is the specific period where the proportion of working-age persons is significantly higher than the dependent population, and during which appropriate programmes and polices can stimulate economic growth. An important aspect should have been investments in pension programmes. Little was done in these areas.

IMPROVEMENTS

At the same time (1970s), social programmes aimed at improving the conditions of Jamaica led to improvements in education, housing and employment, which helped reduce infectious diseases, including gastroenteritis, so children survived. Health programmes were introduced to control chronic diseases. The two activities reduced overall mortality, and more people are living longer, another contribution to population ageing. In addition to the policy documentation of the ageing of the Jamaican population started in the early nineties but it was not widely recognised as needing attention.

And now in 2025, there is urgency in regards to the workforce. There is no doubt there is a need for concern as fewer workers means lower productivity and slower economic growth, so the current discussion on increasing workers is critical, but needs to expand beyond the fertility issue to include policies that boost labour participation and productivity, some of which exist in the current ageing population debate.

The current discussion focuses on increasing fertility, which, even if successful, will not increase the labour force for approximately twenty years. The discussion centres on increasing the number of children without addressing whether the current infrastructure, including schools, road networks and health care services, among other illnesses, the capacity to meet the needs of increased numbers of children and young people. Equally, how to meet the needs of the growing over-60 population, which will expand, needs to be a part of the discussion.

Young people will become older people. There are currently issues of meeting the needs, especially financial and health, of the current population of older persons, so what steps are being proposed to increase the current services and programmes for this inevitable increase in the sixty-plus population? Current projections are for one in four to be over 60 by 2025, only one generation away.

EXTERNAL MIGRATION

External migration also contributes to the ageing of the population by reducing the age group 20-50, which is another area for consideration. The current discussion around migration focuses on the brain drain of certain categories, like nurses and teachers, not the impact on ageing. Can this be broadened to include a discussion around the importance of the dependency ratio and support of older persons by families? What are the possible benefits, such as tax incentives or housing, for staying?

Longer working lives are another contemplation. Recently, the Public Sector retirement age was raised to 65 years, but some people are capable of and want to work beyond that age. What are the possibilities of a flexible retirement age for categories where the number of younger persons is inadequate? Such a consideration, especially in the private sector, will need to include a discussion of incentives, retraining, medical evaluations and flexible work arrangements.

There are ongoing discussions, which have started, about meeting the needs of older persons, especially around healthcare, long-term care and pensions. The recently proposed Bill of Care of Older Persons is a start and must be continued.

But there are other considerations, including strengthening social security networks and family support. Ageing in place is what older persons want and should be supported so as to reduce the cost on the public purse.

AGE-FRIENDLY

Societal adaptations such as creating environments that are age-friendly, therefore accessible and supportive. Lifelong learning opportunities. Human Employment and Resource Training /National Service Training Agency Trust (HEART/NSTA Trust) has now introduced programmes for older persons; more is needed.

Recognising that Jamaica has an ageing population is step one, better late than never, but the discussion cannot be allowed to fade. We are an ageing population and a successful approach requires a comprehensive cross-sectoral approach that involves governments, the private sector, communities, families and individuals.

Addressing population ageing must be on the agenda of whoever forms the next government. The bipartisan report on Care of Older Persons is a critical starting point, as a solid legislative foundation is essential to anchor the policies and programmes identified as the way forward. The legislative framework will also ensure and protect the rights of older persons. But the government will need to go a step further and have a coordinated multi-ministry approach to the challenges.

Yes, the labour force issues will need to be at the forefront, but equally important is how to meet the needs of the growing older population. Reduction in chronic diseases and mental health issues will mean lower costs. It is a complicated issue with no one answer, but one that must be addressed. The private sector will need to be involved, as well as the general population. Individual ageing preparation cannot be the responsibility of the government alone.

Dr Denise Eldemire-Shearer is professor emirita of UWI Mona Ageing and Wellness Centre. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com