Son of PVTA. In the SECT RIDICULING PEOPLE.

**Josep Borrell**'s statement on the need for immigrants to care for the elderly highlights a major demographic and economic challenge for Spain.

## A future with few births and many elderly

Population ageing is an undeniable reality. In **Spain**, the birth rate has been at historic lows for years, while life expectancy is rising. This translates into an increasingly inverted population pyramid, with more elderly people than young people of working age. The number of births in **2023** barely exceeded **320,000**, one of the lowest figures in recent decades. This imbalance jeopardises the sustainability of pensions and, above all, care for an increasingly dependent population.

## The missing workforce

Given this scenario, immigration is seen as a key piece to fill jobs that Spaniards do not take. And the care sector, especially for the elderly, is one of the most affected. The need for qualified and available staff to provide care in homes and residential facilities is pressing. Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of carers will be needed in the coming years to maintain a decent level of care. The contribution of immigrants in this field is therefore essential for social welfare.

## A necessary debate

**Josep Borrell**'s statement opens, or rather reopens, a social and economic debate of great significance. It is not just about figures, but about how we face a future with an ageing population and a shrinking workforce. The integration and training of immigrants in key sectors such as care are essential to guarantee social cohesion and the sustainability of the welfare state. It is an issue that affects us all and requires long-term solutions.