A spatiotemporal analysis of ageing trends in Slovakia and their societal implications

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the changing age structure in Slovakia and ageing process, analyzing district-level data from 2001, 2010, and 2020. The research highlights significant ageing trends across most Slovak districts. These demographic changes have profound implications, including potential labor shortages, increased demand for healthcare and social services, social isolation, pension system strain, and shifting housing needs towards older adults. Understanding these trends and regional variations is vital for effective planning and provision of education, social services, and healthcare for diverse age groups in Slovakia. Our research underscores the complexity of implementing effective measures to mitigate the consequences of demographic ageing, given the regional disparities in ageing intensity. This study offers valuable insights for optimal planning. The challenges identified, such as financing social and healthcare systems and supporting vulnerable groups, are not unique to Slovakia but are shared by many countries undergoing similar demographic transitions. By examining Slovakia’s approach, we contribute to the broader discourse on demographic ageing and highlight the need for future research to focus on comparative studies between regions and countries. This will help identify best practices and innovative solutions that can be adapted to various socio-economic contexts, fostering international collaboration and informed policy-making to address the global impact of ageing populations.