"Indonesia's aging population currently stands at some 20 million, or approximately 10 percent of the total population. In the next five years, the number of elderly is estimated to increase to 33 million," the minister noted in his remarks during a virtual function to commemorate 2021 Elderly Day here on Thursday afternoon.
The elderly tend to suffer from various kinds of physical ailments and are prone to several diseases, particularly non-communicable conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disorders, and dementia or senile dementia, he pointed out.
The government is keen to ensure that the 33 million elderly, who will exist in the next five years, would lead healthy lives.
Hence, the government will increase the target of providing COVID-19 vaccination to the pre-elderly age group, starting from the age of 50 years and over.
The pre-elderly group is the second most vulnerable age group after the elderly, and hence, they need to be protected.
"We are preparing for the next five years. Thus, when they enter the elderly bracket, they have a good quality of life on the social, psychological, and physical fronts," he affirmed.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has placed the elderly at high risk of vulnerability, with a death rate four folds higher than the national death rate.
"At the hospital, the mortality rate for the elderly is three times higher than those in other groups," he pointed out. Related news: Indonesia to inoculate 21.5 million of elderly population by June
Related news: Indonesia faces an increasing elderly population
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
