[The health of the elderly in Spain during the economic crisis].

INTRODUCTION

Numerous studies have shown that economic crises are linked to a worsening of health conditions of the population. During the current economic crisis in Spain, there have been significant cuts in social and health services and a general worsening of the emotional well-being of the population. All these changes could have an impact on the health of the population, especially in the most vulnerable groups like older people.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The evolution of life expectancy and healthy life years in the period 2004-2014 have been examined in order to examine the health status of people aged 65 years and over in Spain during the economic crisis.

RESULTS

Changes are observed in the evolution of healthy life years of people aged 65 years and over, particularly in the case of women.

CONCLUSIONS

The results do not show that the current economic crisis has had a negative impact on the health conditions of older people in Spain, but there has been a decline in their well-being and quality of life.