Silver Opportunity : Case Studies - Integrated People-Centred Care for an Aging Population : Colombia Case Study (English)

Recently accepted into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Colombia is an upper-middle-income country experiencing both demographic and epidemiological transitions that are driving a rise in aging and morbidity and mortality from chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Unfortunately, in a country such as Colombia, the aging process is characterized by a persistence of social inequities that result in health inequalities and a precarious socioeconomic outlook for older people. Despite the fact that, in Colombia, older persons are afforded special constitutional protections by the State (Ministry of Health and Social Protection 2015) and have universal health coverage, they continue to face difficulties in accessing basic health services, housing, and nutritious food. Additionally, their finances are strained by irregular or low employment rates and low pension coverage. The objective of this case study is to synthesize the lessons learned in the design and implementation of policies for the care and health care of older persons in Colombia, highlighting the key problems related to aging and care of this population and identifying interventions to address the most significant challenges.