The most vulnerable age group in the population – those aged 80 or older – has twice as many women covered by health plans as men.
September data compiled by the Union of Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories of São Paulo (SindHosp) show that, among the so-called super elderly, Brazilian women represent 956 thousand beneficiaries, while men in this group represent only 485 thousand.
Brazil has 4.6 million inhabitants over the age of 80, 61% of whom are women.
According to the president of SindHosp, Francisco Balestrin:
— Analysis of the profile of elderly beneficiaries constitutes a solid basis for reflection. More than ever, it is important to think about the cost and sustainability of the system, given the high demand for services from a wide range of older people.
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