Spain is one of the European countries with the most
significant societal changes in the 21st century contributing
to an aging population, in particular, high
life expectancy coupled with low fertility, which will
result in a doubling of the old-age dependency ratio.
Demographic aging implies important challenges
that affect the lives of people, families, the economy,
public finances, and the reorganization of the health
and social systems. Currently, the older population
has become particularly vulnerable due to the economic
crisis taking place in Spain, which has brought
about the need for new policies and systems to protect
older persons. The pension system is under the
greatest threat in conjunction with possible changes
in the national health care system. This report presents
a general view of the main factors that surround
and affect older adults in Spain, as well as policies
developed by the government in response to the current
and future situation. We highlight demographic
predictions for the coming decades, quality-of-life
indicators, situations of dependency, active aging
policies, and the main research programs related to
gerontology in Spain.
Key Words: Spain, Aging, Aging research, Health
care policy, Demography