DEMOGRAPHIC TRANSITION AND ITS IMPACTS ON EDUCATIONAL POLICIES: CHALLENGES AND PERSPECTIVES FOR HEALTH PROMOTION AND EQUITY

Abstract

Demographic transition is characterized by changes in the population age structure resulting from declining fertility and mortality rates and increasing life expectancy, producing significant impacts on public policies, particularly in the fields of education and health. Objective: To analyze, through the scientific literature, how demographic changes influence educational policies and how these policies can contribute to health promotion and the reduction of social inequalities. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS databases, including studies published between 2015 and 2025. After applying the eligibility criteria, 13 studies comprised the final sample. Results: The evidence demonstrated that demographic transition directly affects the planning of educational systems, requiring the reorganization of public policies, investments in human capital development, and the strengthening of lifelong education. The studies also showed that education is an important social determinant of health, promoting equity through intersectoral actions linking education and health. However, challenges remain regarding regional inequalities, funding, policy implementation, and educational inclusion. Conclusion: The integration of educational and health policies is essential to address the challenges arising from demographic transition, strengthen health promotion, and reduce social inequalities, thereby supporting the development of intersectoral public policies.