Moldova ranks 77th among the European states by the living conditions of the elderly people, with 34 points of 100 possible. The quality of life of the elderly is very low, shows the second Demographic Barometer “How well do the elderly people live in Moldova?”, which was compiled by the Center for Demographic Research. According to the survey, the number of elderly people rises annually, while 12% of the elderly face a great risk of poverty, IPN reports.
The Demographic Barometer reveals that the disposable incomes of the households consisting only of elderly persons are lower than the national average - about 1,700 lei a month per person. Currently, the elderly persons are seriously exposed to poverty. In 2014, the absolute poverty rate among the elderly was 12.8%. Absolute poverty is more pronounced in rural areas than in urban ones.
Statistics show that the number of persons who reached retirement rose by over 10% in 2010-2014. In the period, the average monthly pension increased by 33%, but, owing to inflation, this grew by only 7% in real terms. Compared with the consumer index, it remained at the same level.
According to the barometer, only 5% of the elderly persons consider their state of health is good and very good, 62% think it is satisfactory, while 32% believe it is bad and very bad. “Life expectancy at the age of 60 is 19.5 years for women and only 15 years for men. Life expectancy among elderly women rises slowly,” said Olga Gagauz, head of the Center of Demographic Research.
The survey highlighted the ageing of the population, but this phenomenon occurs all over the world. “In the EU, the elderly represent 24% of the total population. We are not the only ones who experience such a process. We will be able to reintegrate into the regional reforms. The pension does not cover the needs, but its augmentation will not improve the situation in the long run. About 70% of the diseases suffered by the elderly appear during youth. A complex approach to all the age categories is needed,” stated Natalia Cojohari, Deputy Representative ad interim of the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA Moldova.
The Demographic Barometer was carried out by the Center for Demographic Research and UNFPA Moldova.
