AGEING IN MAURITIUS

Abstract: Title: Ageing in Mauritius experienced a rapid demographic transition in the 1960’s, resulting in an ageing population. Options for Mauritius 1. Adopt a pro-population strategy to achieve higher working age population 2. Reduce pensions to the aged to lower the “burden” of the Ageing population 3. Introduce measures for continued employment of 60+ in the formal and non formal sectors and keep the ‘Aged Productive’ or “Cost Efficient”. The Study will provide (i) financial/other details of the ageing issue up to 2050; (ii) obtain public opinion on the ageing issue, and (iii) alternates based on survey and desk study. Based on the 1960 population explosion experience, private associations should be roped in for solving the Ageing issue. Such a study could be the first in Africa. The project will include a survey and a detailed desk study on the items included in each of the options. Some data are already available. Option 1 and 2 are untenable on environmental and social justice grounds. Option 3 is environmentally sustainable and could be socially acceptable. The challenge - Extend the productive/efficiency status of the 60 + population