Abstract

TORRES VIDAL, Rosa M  and  GRAN ALVAREZ, Miriam Alicia. Overview of the older people's health in Cuba. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2005, vol.31, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-3127.

An updated overview of some components of the health condition of the Cuban population aged 60 years or more was presented on the basis of statistical data provided by official statistical data systems. Increased population aging was observed from 1970 to 2003, in this latter year, 14,5% of the population aged 60 years. Care of the older people has improved thanks to the increase of the number of geriatricians as well as of the health care units that provide service to this population section. The main causes of death are non-communicable chronic diseases, being the five fundamental ones: heart diseases, malignant tumors, cerebrovascular diseases, influenza and pneumonia, and artery, arteriole and capillary vessel diseases. At these ages, the highest risks of getting sick corresponded to acute respiratory infections and acute diarrheal diseases. Blood hypertension showed the highest prevalence rate, being females the most affected. The Cuban population aging is one of the most important demographic and social implications resulted from the decrease in fecundity and mortality and the increase in life expectancy

Keywords : OLDER PEOPLE; AGING; MORTALITY; MORBIDITY; CUBA.