Analysis of Aging in Spain: Contemporary Sociological and Demographic Implications

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In the paper, the authors investigate ageing in Spain using both quantitative and qualitative method.

Minor comments include:

-Why is ‘Social Sciences’ in the abstract in capital letters?

-The word ‘elderly’ is not considered appropriate anymore. The authors could use ‘older adults’ instead. 

-There are some typos regarding the quotations of references between brackets or the use of dots before the end of a sentence (e.g., ‘1970s.,’).

-Some sentences are incredibly long, e.g., on page 1. 

-INE is not explained in the introduction, what is it?

-There are quite a few errors in the English construction of a sentence or unexplained abbreviations (e.g., ‘For studies the average number of children a woman would have throughout her fertile life (Pérez Fructuoso, 2017)’, or ‘Res being’?, or ‘its demographic times’?, or sometimes INE, sometimes I.N.E.). 

-There is a random sentence in Spanish: ‘Si establecemos un análisis comparativo de Tasas de Fertilidad de España con las del resto de países del continente, observamos que España es uno de los países con menores tasas de fertilidad, como se puede observar en el siguiente mapa’.

-Are the tables and figures all produced by the authors? Please specify.

In general, I would make the research questions more explicit in the Introduction. 

A proper literature review is missing. While there is probably no need to create a separate section for this, it is important to contextualize your research based on what has already been discovered, in Spain or elsewhere. 

Currently, the paper reads as a list of changes in the aging-related rates over time, however little explanation is provided. For instance, how did major socioeconomic/political events affect these rates? Why are there significant differences between men and women, and how does this relate to the Spanish context? While most of the interpretation is provided in the Discussion section, it would be helpful for the readers to be ‘accompanied’ from time to time in what they are reading and why they are reading it. A sentence per sub-section would be enough. The Discussion is quite extended and tackled very different aspects (from male disability to feminism); I would suggest subdividing the section or creating some helpful titles. 

I enjoyed very much the references to Plato and Cicero. 

In the Conclusions, a list of limitations of the study is missing. 

Looking forward to reading a revised version of the paper. 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Even though I am not a fan of reviewers suggesting revisions of the language, I would suggest having a native speaker re-read the text, as it often makes the text unclear. More comments in the previous Comments section.

Author Response

-Why is “Social Science” capitalized in the abstract?

The capitalization was changed to lower case.

-The word 'seniors' is no longer considered appropriate. Authors could use 'older adults' instead.

Adjusted throughout the document where 'elderly' was stated to 'older adults'.

-There are some typos in citing references in parentheses or in the use of periods before the end of a sentence (e.g., '1970s,').

All references are checked, corrected according to the journal's citation format, and periods before citations are eliminated

-Some sentences are incredibly long, e.g., on page 1.

Each paragraph is left at 6 to 9 lines

-INE is not explained in the introduction, what is it?

It is explained what INE stands for: National Institute of Statistics (INE).

-There are quite a few errors in the English construction of a sentence or unexplained abbreviations (e.g. sometimes INE, sometimes I.N.E.).

I.N.E. is adjusted by INE.

There is a random phrase in Spanish: “If we establish a comparative analysis of fertility rates in Spain with those of the rest of the countries of the continent, we observe that Spain is one of the countries with the lowest fertility rates, as can be seen in the following map”.

The sentence is adjusted in English to read as follows: If we establish a comparative analysis of fertility rates in Spain with those of the rest of the countries of the continent, we observe that Spain is one of the countries with the lowest fertility rates, as can be seen in the following map.

-Are the tables and figures all produced by the authors? Please specify.

All tables and figures are added “Own elaboration”.

- A proper literature review is missing. Although it is probably not necessary to create a separate section for this, it is important to contextualize your research based on what has already been discovered, in Spain or elsewhere.

It is contextualized in the introduction and supported by authors.

- Currently, the document reads like a list of changes in aging-related rates over time, yet little explanation is offered. For example, how did major socioeconomic and political developments affect these rates, why are there significant differences between men and women, and how does this relate to the Spanish context? Although most of the interpretation is provided in the Discussion section, it would be helpful if readers were “walked through” from time to time what they are reading and why they are reading it. One sentence per subsection would suffice. The Discussion is quite extensive and addresses very different aspects (from male disability to feminism); I would suggest subdividing the section or creating some useful headings.

The following paragraphs are added to the introduction: Major socioeconomic and political developments in Spain have significantly shaped aging rates and population structure. The democratic transition (1975-1982) brought about social changes that lowered birth rates due to the greater incorporation of women into the labor market and access to contraceptive methods. Later, the economic crisis of 2008 aggravated this trend, delaying family formation due to youth unemployment. In addition, migratory flows during the 2000s partly compensated for the low birth rate, although the emigration of young Spaniards increased the proportion of older people. On the other hand, welfare policies and improvements in the healthcare system extended life expectancy, which intensified demographic aging. However, these advances have generated tensions in the pension system and in the sustainability of the welfare model.

In Spain, there are significant differences between men and women in relation to aging, explained by biological, social and historical aspects. Women have a higher life expectancy (around 86 years compared to 80 years for men), due to less risky lifestyles and different working conditions. However, this greater longevity also generates specific challenges, such as a higher incidence of loneliness, widowhood and economic dependence. Historically, women assumed caregiving roles that limited their access to the labor market and, consequently, to equitable pensions. This creates inequalities in the quality of life during old age. In addition, the phenomenon of the feminization of aging in Spain, where a large proportion of the elderly are women, reflects the impacts of unequal labor trajectories and changes in family structures. These factors show how historical gender dynamics continue to influence the current context.

- In the Conclusions, a list of the limitations of the study is missing.

The following text is added to the conclusions: One of the main limitations of this work is the reliance on census and statistical data, which, although fundamental, may present limitations in terms of accuracy and updating of the information. The methodological change introduced in the 2021 Population and Housing Census implies adjustments in the comparison with previous censuses, which could affect the interpretation of long-term demographic trends. Moreover, although key indicators of aging and population structure have been analyzed, the research does not delve into regional dynamics, which is crucial to understand local variations within Spain. Another important limitation is that the qualitative data, although useful for enriching the sociological interpretation, are not developed in depth, which restricts the analysis of the subjective experiences of the elderly in the face of population aging.

Future research could focus on exploring the impact of regional dynamics on aging, incorporating comparative studies between different autonomous communities to identify specific patterns and design context-specific policies. It would also be valuable to include a longitudinal approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data to better understand how changes in public policies and socioeconomic factors affect older generations over time. Another promising line is to analyze in greater detail the role of migration in mitigating the effects of demographic aging, investigating both the integration of migrants in an aging society and the impact of out-migration of young people on the sustainability of the welfare system. Finally, delving into intergenerational aspects and how family relationships are transformed in an aging context would be key to enriching the sociological perspective.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear authors

The proposal article presents a coherent struture and meets the necessary requirements for the understanding of the theoretical- scientific area of framing and the main objective of the study. The theme is current, very timely and globall, all the contents inserted inthe article are importante and complement each other. throughout the text, alogical reasoning is evidenced, duly grounded both at the theoritecal and scientific leves, as well as coherence between the different sections that constitute it.

The wording and objective data are presented in demographic and socioligical reality of Spain, more specifically with regard to the older people, and you note the importance attributed to the framing and contextualization of the results in the broader context of demographic trends in Europe, wich enrichs the subsequent discussion and analysis.

You reveal a proactive and conscious attitude towards the changes  that have occured over the years and underline the urgent need for timely and effective policies and strategies in Spanish society and with different levels of decision-making, to be considered in a timely and effective way in the face of a prognosis made by organizations and accredited scholars about the characteristics of populations and communities, avoiding social and health difficulties and encouraging successful aging.

Specific comments

Title - well defined. Clear and delimited to the subject focus of the study. 

Abstract - Its allows us to briefly understand the main aspect studied and the overall struture of the article. Indicates the main conclusions. 

Keywords - timely selection

Introduction - Properly organized. It presents the theoritecal framework and contextualizes the relevance of the theme. It mobilizes multiple current scientific evidences, using primary sources from both Spanish and international organizations and authors, especially European. The objective of the study is well defined.

Please review:

the word depopulation - line  32. 

At the beginning of the sentence the reference to the author (Sanchez Vera, 1996 ) - line 43 - should not be in parenteses - Sanchez Vera (1996)

Methods  and methodologies- The study design and methodology chosen were adequate and are very explicit and objective. The sources of data and instruments mobilized have credibility and sensivity, wich gave methodological and scientific robustness to the study.

Results - are clearly presented both in terms of description and illustration through figures and graphs. The results are appropriate for an adequate understanding by the reader / analyst. 

I suggest small revisions: lines 270, 271 1nd 272 - translate text into English.

Discussion - Is given importance to the sociological perspective. The main results are  reflected and analyzed based on the scientific theoritecal framework enriched with the reference to new evidence both about Spain and about Europe. You value the importance of sociological and demographic analysis for planning and intervention in groups and communities, highlighting how necessary and justified their recognition is to promote social representation and innovative strategies and policies appropriate to dignified and sucessful aging.

Please review the number of the figure - nº 22

Conclusions - Highlight the main results and its usefulness.

References - Well strutured. 

I identified many strengths in the proposed article, among others its overall robustness and its contribution to looking at the aging of societies as an opportunity to value this last stage of an increasingly longer life.

Good work.

Best regards.

Author Response

Stimate Reviewer 3, thank you for your time and for your help to improve my articule. I really apreciate your comentaries and according to them I have do the next changes like you indicate me.

“Please review:

• the word depopulation - line 32. Done
• At the beginning of the sentence the reference to the author (Sanchez Vera, 1996 ) - line 43 – should not be in parenteses - Sanchez Vera (1996) Done
• Methods and methodologies- The study design and methodology chosen were adequate and are very explicit and objective. The sources of data and instruments mobilized have credibility and sensivity, wich gave methodological and scientific robustness to the study. OK
• Results - are clearly presented both in terms of description and illustration through figures and graphs. The results are appropriate for an adequate understanding by the reader / analyst. OK
• I suggest small revisions: lines 270, 271 1nd 272 - translate text in English. Done
• Discussion - Is given importance to the sociological perspective. The main results are reflected and analyzed based on the scientific theoritecal framework enriched with the reference to new evidence both about Spain and about Europe. You value the importance of sociological and demographic analysis for planning and intervention in groups and communities, highlighting how necessary and justified their recognition is to promote social representation and innovative strategies and policies appropriate to dignified and sucessful aging. OK
• Please review the number of the figure - nº 22 Done
• Conclusions - Highlight the main results and its usefulness. OK
• References - Well strutured. OK

I identified many strengths in the proposed article, among others its overall robustness and its contribution to looking at the aging of societies as an opportunity to value this last stage of an increasingly longer life.

 

Good work.”

Best regards,

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This is a good and useful article which merits publication with minor revisions. As it points out, the populations of most developed countries, and others, are ageing and face similar problems in consequence. It provides a clear, convincing picture of the population structure of Spain since 1975 and the chief influences upon it, making appropriate use of quantitative and qualitative methods. It is good that it stresses the longer average life expectancy of women, the consequent feminization of later life and its implications. This is true of most countries but is surprisingly rarely discussed. It is also good that it points out the positive contributions of healthy older people to their economy and society which are often overlooked or underestimated. But it is surprising that it does not discuss older people continuing in paid employment past conventional retirement ages. Increasing numbers do so in Britain and perhaps elsewhere. The paper builds upon the Spanish data to set out clearly the main issues to be faced by all countries with ageing populations but rightly does not attempt to propose necessarily complex processes for dealing with them in the limited space available, and they will of course vary across countries since conditions vary. The authors might express some caution concerning future demographic projections which are unavoidably uncertain. They mention the difficulties of predicting migration patterns and the same is true of other aspects of demographic change. For example, in Britain average healthy life expectancy, after steadily rising for decades, since 2011 has declined among poorer men and women while continuing to rise among better-off men and women.  There are very few minor errors which require correction : in  line 43 something is missing at the beginning of the sentence and the meaning is unclear. Line 91, also something is missing from the sentence beginning ‘For students…’ and the meaning is unclear. Line 50 and elsewhere, the meaning of INE should be spelled out. I assume it is the Spanish Statistical Office, but this should be made clear. 

Author Response

- It is good that I emphasize the higher average life expectancy of women, the consequent feminization of later life and its implications. This is true in most countries, but surprisingly rarely discussed.

The following text should be added to the introduction:

The higher average life expectancy of women, a constant phenomenon in most countries, has significant implications for the demographic and social structure, especially in contexts such as Spain. This fact gives rise to the feminization of later life, i.e., a higher proportion of women in later life, which generates specific challenges. For example, the demand for health services and prolonged care intensifies, as women tend to live longer, but with greater risks of dependency in later life. In addition, this trend influences the composition of households and the social support network, where women play key roles as both caregivers and recipients of care. Despite its relevance, this topic is surprisingly little discussed in the sociological field, although it is crucial for analyzing the challenges of aging in Spain. This approach allows a better understanding of how female aging contributes to the most pressing demographic challenges and facilitates the preparation of sociological essays that address these issues.

- It is also positive that it points out the positive contributions of healthy older people to their economy and society, which are often overlooked or underestimated. But it is surprising that there is no mention of older people who continue to work beyond conventional retirement age. Increasing numbers are doing so in Britain and perhaps elsewhere.

The following paragraph is added in the conclusions:

The analysis of population aging in Spain should not only focus on the challenges, but also on the positive contributions of healthy older people, which are often underestimated or ignored. These contributions include their involvement in caring for family members, their role as volunteers in various community activities, and their impact as consumers in the economy. It is striking, however, that the phenomenon of older people continuing to work beyond conventional retirement age, a growing trend in countries such as Great Britain and possibly in other contexts, is not addressed. This aspect could enrich the debate, showing how the experience and knowledge of this population group can continue to generate economic and social value, and rethinking the concept of active aging in contemporary societies.

- The paper draws on Spanish data to set out clearly the main problems facing all countries with aging populations, but does not attempt to propose necessarily complex processes to address them in the limited space available, and will of course vary from country to country as conditions vary.

The following paragraph is added to the conclusions: The document emphasizes Spanish data to illustrate the main problems associated with population aging, highlighting its relevance as a social phenomenon of great transcendence. Although it does not seek to propose complex processes necessary to address them, it offers an analysis of the indicators of aging and the demographic structure in Spain. This approach provides a solid basis for understanding the sociological implications of aging, considering that specific conditions vary between countries. In addition, it argues that the associated challenges, such as the sustainability of the pension system or the care of the elderly, require solutions adapted to each context. In short, the initial demographic analysis becomes a fundamental tool for addressing the most pressing challenges.

- The authors may express some caution regarding future demographic projections, which are inevitably uncertain. They mention the difficulties of predicting migration patterns, and the same is true of other aspects of demographic change. For example, in Britain average healthy life expectancy, after rising steadily for decades, has since 2011 fallen among poorer men and women, while continuing to rise among better-off men and women. The following paragraph is added to the conclusions:

Likewise, factors such as migration patterns are particularly difficult to predict, as are other aspects of demographic change. A relevant example comes from Great Britain, where healthy life expectancy, after decades of steady increase, has started to decline since 2011 among the poorest sectors, while it continues to increase among the better-off groups. This contrast underscores the importance of analyzing social and economic inequalities in the context of population aging, as these disparities can significantly influence the future dynamics of aging societies and the necessary policies.

- On line 91, something is also missing in the sentence beginning “For students...” and the meaning is unclear.

The text sentence is adjusted

-INE is not explained in the introduction, what is it?

It is explained what INE stands for: National Institute of Statistics (INE).

-There are quite a few errors in the English construction of a sentence or unexplained abbreviations (e.g. sometimes INE, sometimes I.N.E.).

I.N.E. is adjusted by INE.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have made the required changes.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,

Thank you for your comments.