A region in France is facing a significant increase in mortality rates. Discover which region this is!
An alarming situation
In the heart of France, an unsettling situation is emerging. According to sources from the Observatory of Territories, areas such as the Massif Central, Limousin, and Nièvre could see a marked increase in mortality rates in the coming years. This is not due to a virus or a mysterious illness but simply because of the rapid aging of the population.
For several years now, these regions have been losing their young residents, who are drawn to large cities and the various opportunities they offer. As a result, older individuals are becoming the majority. The youth index, which compares the number of people under 20 to those over 60, has significantly dropped. This leads to very important consequences: more deaths, increased demand for care and home assistance, and greater pressure on pensions and local public services.
This phenomenon especially affects what is known as the “Diagonal of Emptiness”, a large band of territory that stretches across France from the northeast to the southwest, often sparsely populated and poorly served. However, caution is warranted: even some major cities like Paris are also beginning to age. Currently, individuals over 65 make up one-fifth of the French population. By 2050, they could represent a third.
What are the solutions?
To counter this phenomenon, experts suggest developing what is known as the silver economy. The silver economy encompasses all services targeted at seniors: more accessible transportation, adapted leisure activities, etc. Immigration could also be a solution, though its impact would be limited.
This situation raises a significant societal question. The Unccas (association of local elected officials) calls for the construction of policies aimed at improving housing, health, employment, and leisure in these regions so they can effectively address this issue. And you, do you live in one of these regions affected by this phenomenon?
