Arab rural populations are ageing. This subject is featured in the "The Demographic Profile of Arab Countries: Ageing of Rural Populations". While the process of ageing in the Arab region is comparatively a recent phenomenon, there is evidence to suggest that population ageing in rural areas began considerably sooner than other countries. Within that context, the most important determinants of ageing of rural populations in developing countries are rural-to-urban migration of the working age youth in search of employment, and urban-to-rural migration of most of the retired population (65 and over), looking for a quiet haven after an age-long productivity. Both elements accelerate rural ageing, in addition to the demographic transition in developing countries, namely in the latter half of the twentieth century, prompted by the fast decline in mortality and fertility rates.
The implications of this process are especially felt in the spheres of social organization and relevant societal institutions, including families and households. The impact of ageing is more acute on the rural population, which is experiencing a rapid demographic change. A continuous evacuation of youth from villages, which are turned into elderly-only zones will have catastrophic consequences on the long, taking its toll on villages and cities alike. Urban-to-rural migration places a significant pressure over cities, especially on the existing infrastructure, creating higher demand for housing and transportation, which in turn could have adverse effects on the environment. All efforts must therefore be geared towards decelerating the rural-to-urban shift of the working-age and productive groups, and promote the rural source of strong support to urban areas, particularly in food supplies and agricultural products.
International and Arab Plans
Most UN-ESCWA member countries have been raising awareness on addressing ageing issues at both the government and civil society levels. The UN-ESCWA Social Development Bulletin on Population Ageing in Arab Countries found that these countries have implemented activities for awareness-raising activities for the public on this matter. Commemorating the annual International Day of Older Persons has also become a major venue to remind the public of the subject.
On the policy front, the Second World Assembly on Ageing, held in Madrid 2002, adopted the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) that calls on the active participation of elder people in the society, advancing their health and well-being and providing an enabling and supportive environment for them. Arab countries, for their part, have also adopted a similar plan of action, i.e. The Arab Plan of Action on Ageing (APAA), which calls on Arab countries to implement MIPAA. APAA also defines region-specific elements, such as the importance of enhancing the status of elder women, preserving the cohesion of the Arab family, and protecting the elderly in conflict-ridden countries.
