[Demographic aspects of aging].
BACKGROUND
The contemporary world is undergoing demographic transition not only due to a decreased population growth, but also due to change in age-structure. The aging process is most prominent in the developed countries, while it is yet expected to commence in the European developing countries. The aging process is characterized by participation of persons older than 60 or 65 years in the overall population. U.S.A: Persons older than 65 make up 13% of the US population. It is expected that their share will increase to 30% during the next 30 years.
European population in the world is systematically declining. By the year 2050, the population aged 65 and over will exhibit an increase of 60%. A nonlinear, ever increasing depopulation is expected to occur in Croatia, while FYR Macedonia has already been classified as a country in an advanced stage of population aging.
During the second halfof the 20th century, on average, the Serbian population was younger than the European, but aging was more prominent. Today, Serbia is among ten countries with the oldest population in the world.
The worst demographic situation is found in Vojvodina. According to an assessment, its population has been among the world's oldest for more than 30 years. The latest census shows a shift in the most numerous age group: from 35-39 to 40-45.


CONCLUSIONS
Population aging is a worldwide reality. Differences among developed, developing and undeveloped countries are diminishing. Our population is among the oldest. Unless the state takes appropriate measures, we are heading towards a demographic catastrophe.
Turkulov
Vesna
V
Klinicki centar Vojvodine, Klinika za infektivne bolesti. dturkulov@yahoo.co.uk
Madle-Samardzija
Nadezda
N
Nićiforović-Surković
Olja
O
Gavrancić
Cedomir
C
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011157:Population Dynamics; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology