The Colombian statistics agency and the United Nations found that Colombia’s population is aging rapidly, various media reported Monday.
According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), the adult population of Colombia has doubled in the last 20 years.
The report released by DANE and the U.N. attribute the change to an increased life expectancy and lower birth rates. Women on average live to 78.5 years, while Colombian men live 72.5 years, Sante Fe Radio reported.
The U.N. stressed the need for Colombia to re-evaluate its pension, health and welfare, and savings programs to address the needs of an aging population.
DANE, the organization responsible for administering the census, also found that 70% of the population lives on less than 7% of the country’s land.
The report also predicted a 30% increase in Colombia’s population by 2050, rising from 46 million to 60 million people.