Developing Countries: Urban Areas

The urban elderly of tomorrow are likely to be a segment of the population under great stress. Rapidly changing social values within the families about living together in joint families will force numerous elderly to live by themselves. Financial pressures will continue to mount as pensions and savings are rarely adequate to keep up with inflation. The high cost of housing in urban areas is likely to make suitable housing unaffordable for retired elderly.

Although old age homes are frowned upon in developing countries this segment of the population will probably be best served by developing harmonious well planned retirement communities where these people can live comfortably and securely in their old age. This requires not only a change in social attitudes but also an organized effort to develop such communities which can be very expensive.