Population Ageing and the Theory of Demographic Transition: The Case of Mauritius

Abstract

Purpose – From high fertility and mortality rates in the 1960’s, Mauritius has seen a demographic transition such that today population growth is among the lowest in the developing world. This has inevitably brought about the problem of ageing. The main objectives of the study are firstly to throw light on the demographic processes that have brought about changes in the age structure of the population thereby making ageing an inevitable outcome and secondly to take stock of the demographic profiles: population projections 2010-2040 made by the Mauritian Central Statistical Office.
Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, use of only secondary data has been made. Most of the secondary data come from books, internet search, government documents and data from Central Statistical Office.
Findings – The principal finding of this research indicates that Mauritius has completed its demographic transition in less than four decades. The fall in
mortality rates and fertility rates have led to an improvement in the life expectancy of the population and consequently, the society is ageing.
Research implications – This paper has much relevance in the fast developing Mauritian society as it may help the authority at reviewing its strategies regarding both formal and informal care system with a view to improve the welfare and living conditions of the elderly population. Originality/Value – Although some studies have been done on ageing yet none of them has really explained the demographic transition. This study has attempted to do so and the results will be useful to the Mauritian state to develop appropriate plans and programmes to deal with ageing.

Keywords: Ageing, Demographic Transition Theory, Population, Life expectancy, Fertility Rates, Mortality rates.