Aging in Myanmar

Abstract

This spotlight provides an overview of the situation of older persons in Myanmar, an understudied country of over-50-million population. Myanmar is of particular interest to researchers and policy makers, given its overall level of poverty and modestly rapid population aging. Research on older persons, while increasing in recent years, remains sparse. Empirical evidence indicates that Myanmar older persons are in relatively poorer health compared to those in neighboring countries. Many live in abject poverty and depend on their families for material support. Coresidence is very common and facilitates reciprocal exchanges across generations. Looking ahead, Myanmar confronts important challenges including demographic shifts that reduce availability of family support for older persons and increasing burden from chronic illnesses. Currently, government measures are essentially absent, although a law on aging was drafted and is in the process to become legislation.