In addition to population growth, other demographic issues are taking on political, economic and social importance. Population ageing is one of them, owing to its significant repercussions on the development of countries and the wide range of sectors affected such as health, education, infrastructure and trade. The demographic transition under way in Latin America and the Caribbean reveals that the region`s population is gradually but inexorably ageing. This is a generalized process, in which all the countries are advancing towards the "greying2 of their societies. Two characteristics of this process make it a matter of urgent concern. First, the population is ageing at a more rapid pace, and will continue to do so in the future, than the rates recorded in the past by today`s developed countries. Second, this is taking place in a context of high poverty rates, persistent and acute social inequity, a low level of institutional development, limited social security coverage and a probable trend towards reduced sources of support as a result of changes family structure and composition. In this context, ageing is one of the main demographic challenges faced by the region`s countries in the twenty-first century. The challenge lies in tackling the phenomenon by defining clear strategies that guarantee: sustainable public finances, the capacity to comply with the basic objectives of budgetary policy, a decent standard of living for older persons so that they may benefit from the economic well-being of their country and actively participate in public, social and cultural life. Social security systems must maintain and increase the capacity of pension systems to achieve their social objectives, guarantee their financial viability and improve their response to changes in society and population. They need to take into account aspects such as equal opportunities for men and women in terms of social welfare and cover of the rural population. Health systems should take account of changes in the provision of health services by incorporating specialized teams and adapting the existing infrastructure for the care of older persons. The health system also needs to tackle the pressure of population ageing on health spending. Caring for older persons also creates great pressure within families —especially on women who are traditionally responsible for providing such care— and within the community. Creating the social and physical conditions to promote the integration of older persons and make them responsible for their own well-being is also important to avoid people at that stage of life becoming a burden on society. The above is not necessarily a negative outlook. The ageing of the population is an achievement of humanity, and older persons can and should become a force for development. As is the case for any other population group, however, they need specific interventions to guarantee a decent and safe life, particularly for the most vulnerable among them. This document analyses the situation of population ageing and of older persons in areas where the pressures of the ageing process are significant, i.e. economic security, health and enabling environments in terms of adequate housing and urban space, care needs and preventing elder abuse.