Disparities in functional dependence and population aging in Latin America

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics associated with varying levels of functional dependence among older adults, considering the diverse patterns of aging in Latin America. METHODS: National surveys between 2018 and 2023 that used the Washington Group scale to measure disability were reviewed. Three levels of functional dependence (moderate, severe, and total) were defined, and sociodemographic characteristics such as sex, age, education, living arrangements, and socioeconomic status were analyzed, comparing countries with different stages of aging. The sample comprised adults 60 years and older from Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico (N = 199 663). RESULTS: The results show remarkable variability in the prevalence of functional dependence. Severe dependence is related to advanced age, low socioeconomic status, low education, and certain living arrangements. People with less education and in extended or single-person households tend to show higher levels of dependence. Mobility and cognitive impairment were the most prevalent types of disability, especially in countries with advanced aging. CONCLUSIONS: Aging in Latin America is uneven, with educational and socioeconomic status influencing the functional dependence of older adults. Public policies must be tailored to local realities to address health, infrastructure, and care challenges in a comprehensive and equitable manner.