The teaching of Geriatrics and Gerontology in Central America, and related sociodemographic issues

Abstract

In several Latin American countries, medical curricula are deficient in the inclusion of compulsory disciplines such as Geriatrics and Gerontology (G&G). In the most favorable circumstances, these subjects are offered as elective courses. In order to problematize the teaching of G&G in Central American countries and related sociodemographic aspects, this paper offers answers, even if they are considered inexhaustible, to the following questions: What has been the nature of the demographic transition in recent decades? To what extent is postgraduate training in G&G symmetrical in the region? What is the predominant training profile in the countries? In short, are there sufficient specialized human resources to meet the health demands of the elderly? A review of the literature and an analysis of secondary data suggest that the countries can be divided into two groups. The first group of countries demonstrates a notable commitment to ensuring that future generations of professionals are adequately trained to meet the demands of these fields (Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Guatemala). In contrast, the second group of countries, which includes Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama, demonstrates a comparatively lesser degree of sensitivity to this issue. It is curious that the rapid growth of the older population in these countries has not resulted in a proportional increase in the responses required by governments to meet the needs of this demographic. Immediate examples of this are the shortage of professional geriatricians and gerontologists and the few postgraduate courses in G&G studies.