Sustenabilitatea sistemelor sociale în contextul îmbătrânirii populației

Abstract

In the article, key aspects related to the accelerated aging of the population in the Republic of Moldova are addressed, highlighting the demographic, economic, and social issues the country faces. Based on statistical and empirical data, the challenges faced by the elderly population are highlighted: low standard of living, poverty, integration into the labor market, limited access and quality of health services, etc. The aging process affects rural areas and the female population more significantly. The aging coefficient is on the rise, reaching 23.8% nationally and 25.4% in rural areas. According to monitoring indicators, the potential and capacity to ensure active aging of the population remain low, just over 28% nationwide and 22% in rural areas. The population structure is increasingly characterized by a higher proportion of older age groups (65-69/70-74 years). This trend has significant implications for healthcare, pension, and social assistance systems, as well as for the labor force, endangering the sustainability of social systems and the economic productivity of the country. Mitigating these challenges is essential to continue developing and promoting active and healthy aging policies with a cross-sectoral and intersectoral approach, integrating aging into various areas of development, from the economy to education and health. Creating an environment conducive to all generations requires adaptation to demographic realities, addressing the new needs of the workforce, promoting social inclusion of older persons to leverage their experience and skills,and developing measures to support elderly care and reforms to ensure an equitable pension system. The article was elaborated within the State Program Project (2020-2023) 20.80009.0807.21 „Migration, demographic changes, and situation stabilization policies”.