The Rise of Curaçao: Aging and the Future of Our Island
February 5, 2025
Curaçao is experiencing a significant demographic shift characterized by a rapidly aging population. As of 2023, nearly 25% of the island's residents are aged 65 or older, a substantial increase from just 4.3% in 1960. Concurrently, the fertility rate has declined from 5 children per woman in 1960 to 1.3 today, leading to a shrinking younger population. This demographic transformation is further compounded by the emigration of younger individuals seeking opportunities abroad, notably in the Netherlands, where over 80,000 first-generation Curaçaoans reside.
Despite a 3.5% growth in the total population, reaching nearly 155,826 inhabitants, this increase is primarily attributed to immigration, particularly from Venezuelan and Colombian descent individuals. Nevertheless, three-quarters of the population remains Curaçao-born. The average household size decreased from 2.7 people in 2011 to 2.5 in 2023.
These demographic trends present significant challenges for Cura-çao's social and economic systems. The rising proportion of elderly citizens places increased pressure on social funds such as the General Old Age Insurance (AOV), with expenditures outpacing premium revenues. This imbalance threatens the sustainability of pension and healthcare systems, raising concerns about who will care for the aging population and how the associated costs will be managed.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) has established a Task Group for Elderly Welfare. This group is tasked with developing an action plan within five months to address the fragmentation of government policies and provide concrete solutions for the care needs of the elderly. The task force comprises representatives from various government ministries, the Council for Elderly Policy, major healthcare institutions, the Curaçao Health Authority (CZa), and the Social Insurance Bank (SVB). Their goal is to enhance the transparency and efficiency of the financing and organization of elderly care.
Despite multiple conferences and reports highlighting these issues, substantial action has been lacking. The question is not if but how we will address this challenge. Will we continue to wait, or will we finally take responsibility?
Miguel Goede
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