The challenge of ageing in Latin America: long-term care in Costa Rica

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902022201078

Keywords:

Costa Rica, Long-term care, Dependency, Latin America, Middle-income countries

Abstract

Latin America is beginning to implement long-term care public policies. But only a few studies look at the situation of the countries in the region. This study aims to examine long-term care public programs in Costa Rica and to estimate the country’s demand for formal care. For this purpose, we have revised its National Health Accounts, conducted five interviews with representatives of governmental institutions, reviewed the scientific literature and official reports, and analyzed the data drawn from a national care survey. The results show the existence of fragmented, poverty-focused programs that were not designed for long-term care needs. The estimated percentage of older adults in the region that currently require help to perform activities of daily living is 13.4%. The informal care work is intensive, mostly provided by a family member, and unpaid.

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Author Biographies

  • Mauricio A. Matus-Lopez, Universidad Pablo de Olavide

    Universidad Pablo de Olavide. Seville, Spain.

  • Alexander Chaverri-Carvajal, National Council of Persons with Disabilities

    National Council of Persons with Disabilities. San José, Costa Rica.

  • Patricia C. Jara-Males, Inter-American Development Bank

    Inter-American Development Bank. Social Protection and Health Division. Chile.

Published

2022-01-18

Issue

Section

Original research articles

How to Cite

Matus-Lopez, M. A. ., Chaverri-Carvajal, A., & Jara-Males, P. C. (2022). The challenge of ageing in Latin America: long-term care in Costa Rica. Saúde E Sociedade, 31(1), e201078. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0104-12902022201078