According to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census of Costa Rica (INEC), in 2011, there is a population of 556,461 older adults between 50 and 64 years. From 65 years to 74 years, there are 181,582, from 75 to 84, 96,692, and 85 or more years of age are recorded 33,438.
The female gender dominates the older population, among adults 50 to 64 years, there are 265,055 men and 291,406 women. Of those aged between 65 and 74 years, 94,824 are women. From 75 to 84 years, and 52,477 are women more than 85 years there are only 13,861 men against 19,577 women.
According registration National Senior Citizens Council (CONAPAM) are 2352 elderly in poverty in 1345 nursing homes and day centers. In addition, 4,800 seniors are served at provincial care networks.
In the country there are 71 social welfare organizations (OBS) and 22 day centers, all private home, where attention is given to the population over 65 years of age.
With the growth of the elderly population the number of centers is insufficient to accommodate those who do not have the luck to grow old with their loved ones.
That has led to the emergence of a number of centers that operate without proper licenses as a cheaper option for those who need care in their old age.
The “illegal homes” are small, 5 or 10 or 20 people. They are not regulated by law or by the health authorities and may not be able to manage and care for older people.
According CONAPAM, these homes should be operated by the Ministry of Health, which would implement a Remedial Plan which, if not met, would require the technical closure and relocation of residents to OBS that meets health standards and accountability for the elderly.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
