LONGEVITY

Currently, UAE families take most of the responsobility for caring their elderly. The shift from the extended family model towards smaller nuclear families and the lack of sufficient old-age care facilities will pose challenges that can exacerbate the burden of old-age care. These evolving social dynamics and infrastructural limitations will also have an impact on the healthcare sector and the national economy. 

Alexei Cresniov, Director of Deep Knowledge Analytics, said: “The UAE government remains committed to continuously strategising and improving the quality of its healthcare system. National policies and local programs have been strengthening the country’s position as a hub for pharmaceuticals, medical research, development centres, and now longevity.”

Most developed nations, including the US, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Germany, have more elderly people than young populations. In contrast, the UAE population is quite young, with a median age of 32.6 in 2020. During the same year, the median age in Germany and Japan was 45.7 and 48.4, respectively. Longevity trends in the UAE are evolving. Life expectancy at birth was 76.15 years in 2009. In 2019, it reached 77.97 years. This uptick in the aging population is set to trigger considerable changes within the healthcare system.

Traditionally, retirees from prosperous countries have usually chosen to relocate to regions with favorable weather and affordable, enjoyable lifestyles. Among the key factors that make such regions attractive are their relatively inexpensive healthcare systems and other cost savings combined with their high standards of living.

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Savvy Caribbean and Central American countries offer perks to attract expat retirees.

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