Today is United Nations Day and the United Nations Population Fund and HelpAge launched a report called "Ageing in the 21st Century: A Celebration and A Challenge."
The condition of the aged is relevant all over the world - because, eventually, all of us are expecting to get to a good old age, when hopefully we will be well taken care of.
7.1% of the Belize's population is older than 60 - but only 1 out of 5 says he or she is in good health.
And of greatest concern is that two-thirds of the population of older persons does not receive a pension or financial benefit.
The chairman of HELPAGE told us about the condition of the Aged at today's launch:
Evan Dakers - Chairman, HELPAGE Belize
"The importance of this report has to do with the fact that it chronicles some of the major demographic changes that are taking place in the world's population. And we are focusing specifically - of course - on that age group which is 60 years and older. And it looks at how, as the world's population becomes older as it ages, countries have to put in place relevant policies and programs to meet those special needs of the population 60 years and older."
Reporter
"Specifically, what's the situation in Belize?"
Evan Dakers
"Presently, it's approximately 8% of the population that is considered older - 60 years and older. Belize can generally be considered to be a young population, but the projections over the next 20 to 40 years are showing that it could be doubled. In other words, instead of 8%, you can have close to 20% of your population being considered older persons. And obviously, that means that we have to make adjustments in terms of our policies and programs for that population before it arrives on us."
Three quarters of the population of older persons go to church.
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