Security crisis and social policy: care for victims of violence and internal displacement in Ecuador

Abstract

Population aging in Ecuador represents a growing challenge for the social protection system due to the accelerated growth of the older adult population and their specific needs. This phenomenon, a result of the demographic transition, requires the adaptation of public policies to guarantee a dignified, active, and inclusive old age. The general objective of this study is to analyze the main challenges facing Ecuadorian social protection in the face of population aging, with an emphasis on areas such as health, pensions, care, social inclusion, and human rights. The methodology applied is mixed, based on a bibliographic and documentary approach, based on the critical analysis of academic sources, regulatory frameworks, and institutional documents updated through 2024. In addition, secondary statistical data from official institutions such as the National Institute of Statistics and International Organizations (INEC) and international organizations are incorporated, allowing for the identification of trends, gaps, and levels of social service coverage. Among the most relevant findings is a disconnect between current social policies and the real needs of older adults, as well as limited intersectoral coordination in addressing aging. The urgent need to strengthen the national healthcare system, guarantee equitable access to comprehensive healthcare with a gerontological approach, and reform the pension system within a rights-based approach is emphasized. The conclusion is that aging must be embraced as a public priority, demanding structural reforms, sustained social investment, and inclusive strategies that ensure decent living conditions for Ecuador's older adult population.