Population ageing in Zimbabwe: levels, patterns and trends

Abstract

While population ageing has drawn considerable and increasing attention in developed countries, it has hardly begun to be recognized in the developing regions, where demographic change is indeed only a matter of time. Despite other pressing demographic problems in developing countries, such as high population growth rates, high infant and child mortality, and excessive urban expansion, the impact of related cultural and economic factors on older persons can no longer be ignored in government policy. This paper selectively examines population levels, patterns and trends in Zimbabwe. The socio-economic implications of population ageing in developing countries in general are discussed with reference to Zimbabwe.