Limitations of the elderly in their aging process in the face of new social challenges in Ecuador

Abstract

The accelerated population aging that is evident on a global scale makes it necessary to formulate policies and strategic plans by nations to mitigate its effects on society. In the same way, these actions must have the purpose of preparing the conditions to deal with the most important limitations that this age group has, without this resulting in a barrier that restricts their adequate social participation. Taking into account such aspects, the objective of the research is to analyze the main limitations of the elderly in their aging process, facing the new social challenges in Ecuador. The study design is non-experimental, with an exploratory scope and a qualitative approach. Additionally, a survey was used as an information collection instrument, applied to a sample of 76 older adults, to find out the main limitations identified. The results show that the main perceived limitations are: socio-economic inequalities in basic sectors such as medical care and pensions, the demand for care and age-related health problems. Likewise, other limitations shown are the lack of skills in the operation of the new systems based on the use of information and communication technologies. For all these reasons, governments must implement short and medium-term solutions that contribute to its resolution or mitigation, as a result of new social challenges, so that the quality of life, welfare status and adequate social inclusion of the elderly can be increased.