Myanmar on Aging Populations

Nowadays, the development of medical treatment has improved significantly and rapidly.
The living standard around the world have made tremendous improvement. Older
individuals have become a proportionally larger share of the total population. This is the
most distinctive demographic events of the twenty-first century. Aging population is
unprecedented in the human history. By 2050, the number of older persons in the world will
exceed the number of the young for the first time in the history. This indicates that aging
population is affecting all aspects of human life. It is expected to create a profound impact
and challenges in a broad range of economic, and social conditions.

Findings indicate that the population of Myanmar is aging as well and the pace of aging is
increasing. In 1973, the proportion of the population aged 60 or above was slightly over 6%.
By 2050 it is projected that 21.4% of the population will be aged 60 or above.

As the aging population increases, there is a need to ensure that elderly receive adequate
mental and physical support to ensure their well-being in old age. As research shows, most
elderly remain economically active well into old age, with 51.1% of those aged 60-64 still
working. While the majority of elderly are economically active, less than 15% of the oldest
age group are economically active. The majority of this age group is dependent on family
members for their well-being.

The tradition in Myanmar is that at least one adult child will remain resident with their
parents to care for them as they age. Analysis of the 2001 Foundation for Research in
Health Systems data shows that less than 10% of the elderly were either living alone or only
with their spouses and only 0.2% are living with non-relatives. Almost 90% were living with
their adult children, and typically the households also contained other relatives such as
grandchildren hence a potentially source of childcare and support for young families.

We the delegates of Myanmar encourage other countries to adopt this system of care. This
will reduce the need for care centres and ensure that elderly get the mental and physical
care they require.