Situational Analysis of the Impact of GNI on the Elderly Population

The national income and other general socio-economic factors are strong determinants of population health and the increasing elderly population. In countries where resources are less, people are much less healthy than people living in rich countries. In wealthier countries that have made immense progress in health indicators, the resulting change in age structure and morbidity and mortality patterns portends even greater financial demands on the health sector. This study noted the trends in life expectancy indicator versus economic indicators and related it to an increase in the elderly population worldwide. Data for this study was drawn from the World Development Indicators (2005) data files. World Bank classification of low income, lower middle income, upper middle income and high income country was used and GNI per capita, life expectancy at birth, population total, total health expenditure and 65 and above (% of total population) were the variables evaluated, Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, Sri lanka, Sweden and USA. We noted that there is improvement in life expectancy along with an increasing GNI per Capita and GDP. In low income regions though, the rate of improvement is slower as opposed to high income countries. Demographic transition is taking place. Increase in life expectancy is leading to an increase in aging population. Policies need to be developed that address the health needs of the elderly.