A Maturing Maipú: How the Chilean city is adapting to an ageing population 

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About the OECD #ResilientPlaces blog series 
In an era of unprecedented economic, environmental and geopolitical changes, local and regional leaders are uniquely placed to turn these changes into opportunities to improve the well-being of all citizens, strengthen resilience and boost competitiveness. Following the OECD Regional Development Policy Ministerial Committee meeting in Warsaw, Poland (19–20 May 2025), the OECD Champion Mayors, local and regional leaders, as well as stakeholders, continue to share innovative solutions to reinforce local and regional resilience in this blog series.

Just two weeks ago, the first results of Chile’s 2024 Census showed our city of Maipú in a new light. We are now Chile’s oldest municipality, with 71,127 residents are aged 65 or over. This group now makes up 14% of our population, up from 9% just seven years before.  

For those of us who believe in evidence-based policies, this is not just a statistical curiosity – it is a call to action. We are facing a profound demographic shift, one that requires us to rethink how we govern, how we design cities, and how we create opportunity at every stage of life. 

Adapting to ageing  

Population ageing is not unique to Maipú. Chile, like much of the world, is undergoing a profound demographic shift, as birth rates plummet and life expectancy soars. Chile now has the seventh lowest fertility rate among UN member states —and fifth if microstates are excluded— with only South Korea, Singapore, Ukraine and China recording lower rates. With a birth rate of 1.1 children per woman, our country is well below the replacement rate of 2.1 needed to maintain a stable population. 

We must adapt to these new realities by placing people firmly at the centre. As writer and statesman José Martí once said—and as we often echo in Maipú—“The best way to say is to do.”  

This demographic transformation demands a complete rethink of how we govern and approach policy making. For example, the “silver economy” is not just an emerging market; it is a chance to develop skills, strengthen social cohesion, and acknowledge the vital contributions older people can make. A city that is growing older should not become more passive—but rather more active, dynamic, and attuned to its diversity. 

Ageing is not just a challenge for local government. Our response must be a collective effort, involving all levels of government as well as communities, social innovators and the private sector. We must build stronger partnerships to deliver for our older residents. Just a few weeks ago, the manager of a well-known shopping centre in Maipú remarked that older adults now represent their core clientele. That comment—concise and powerful—shows how our cities are changing and highlights the need for a coordinated response across sectors. 

A mature Maipú 

In Maipú, we are committed to a data-driven governance model that enables us to make informed decisions, measure impact, and drive meaningful change. Our capacity has been strengthened through our participation in Bloomberg Philanthropies’ City Data Alliance, and earned us Silver Certification from What Works Cities. Our approach drives us to ask key questions to improve our service offer. Where do our older residents live? What are their living conditions? Do they have access to support networks, leisure, and essential services?  

The answers have helped us prepare for a mature Maipú. We have strengthened recreational activities with a focus on community-building, creating support networks among older people. A prime example is our Seniors’ Socials “Malones para Personas Mayores”, parties where more than 500 residents gather each month to dance and meet others. We also support over 316 Seniors’ Clubs across Maipú, providing nearly 1,000 workshops in 2024. To strengthen civic engagement, we have established a Seniors’ Advisory Council to promote participation and influence in municipal decision-making. We have adapted our parks and public spaces to meet the needs of older adults. We have already inaugurated a Care Centre for older people and are just two months away from opening a dedicated Podiatry Centre. 

Creating cities for all ages

Local governments may not be able to meet the needs of an ageing population alone. But they have a key role to play. We are the face of the state closest to our communities—the ones who understand the everyday lives of residents and can respond most rapidly to their concerns. At a time when institutions and even democracy are being called into question, effective, people-centred governance is our most powerful tool to rebuild trust. 

Our commitment—and I am confident this is shared by all the OECD Champion Mayors—is to build a city that adapts to and supports all its people. As our citizens age, we do not see despair, but hope — and the opportunity to respond to create a more caring, just, and diverse city. 

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To learn more about OECD countries on cities, see our new publication Cities for All Ages and explore related work below: