Definition
Basic
The current level and pace of population ageing vary widely by geographic region, and usually within regions as well. But virtually all nations are now experiencing growth in their numbers of elderly residents. Developed nations have relatively high proportions of people aged 65 and over, but the most rapid increases in elderly population are in the developing world.
Age definition
When does someone become “old” or “elderly”? A number of terms are used to describe people considered old, but there is an increasing awareness that the terms used should acknowledge the tremendous diversity inherent in a group of people whose ages can span a range of 40 or more years.
Challenges
Population ageing may be seen as a human success story, the triumph of public health, medical advancements, and economic development over diseases and injuries that had limited human life expectancy for millennia. But the worldwide phenomenon of ageing also brought an acknowledgement by theUN of the many challenges regarding ageing and national development, issues concerning the sustainability of families and the ability of states and communities to provide for ageing populations.
History
Origin
For most of human history, the elderly only comprised a tiny fraction of the population, never more than 3 or 4 percent until about a century ago.
Today
In today’s developed world, they comprise roughly 15 percent of the population. By mid-century, the share is on track to reach 25 percent—and that’s just the average. In some fast-ageing European countries, the share will be approaching 35 percent and in Japan it will be approaching 40 percent. Along the way, the populations of most developed countries will cease growing and in some cases enter a steep decline.
Causes
Main Causes
Low fertility. An example would be East Asia where life expectancy at birth increased from less than 45 years in 1950 to more than 72 years today,
Increased mortality largely due to HIV/AIDS, with a more frequency in Latin America and more recently in Africa, International Migration.
Key Figures
Estimations
Between 2006 and 2030, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase by 140 percent,
The elderly comprise 15 percent of the population. By mid-century it will reach
25 percent. In Japan it will be approaching 40 percent.
Low fertility. An example would be East Asia where life expectancy at birth increased from less than 45 years in 1950 to more than 72 years today.
Prospects
Changes
• The overall population is ageing. For the first time in history, and probably for the rest of human history, people age 65 and over will outnumber children under age 5
• Life expectancy is increasing
• The number of oldest old is rising. People age 85 and over are now the fastest growing portion of many national populations
• Non-communicable diseases are becoming a growing burden
• Some populations will shrink in the next few decades. While world population is ageing at an unprecedented rate, the total population in some countries is simultaneously declining
• Family structures are changing. As people live longer and have fewer children, family structures are transformed, leaving older people with fewer options for care
• Patterns of work and retirement are shifting
• Social insurance systems are evolving
Impacts of Ageing
• Economic impact: growth, savings, debt, investment, consumption, labour markets, pensions, taxation
• Social impact: family consumption, living arrangements, housing demand, migration trends, health care
• Political impact: voting patterns, political representation
•The elderly bring inspiration, work ethic, leadership, wisdom, values, culture, tradition, legacy, but with the age comes, there is health concerns, vulnerability, uncertainty
Future Prospects
By 2030 the world is likely to have 1 billion older people, accounting for 13 percent of the total population. While today’s proportions of older people typically are highest in more developed countries, the most rapid increases in older populations are occurring in the less developed world. Between 2006 and 2030, the number of older people in less developed countries is projected to increase by 140 percent as compared to an increase of 51 percent in more developed countries.
Health Predictions
The study, Global Burden of Disease predicts a very large increase in disability caused by increases in age-related chronic disease in all regions of the world. In a few decades, the loss of health and life worldwide will be greater from Non-communicable or chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes) than from infectious diseases, childhood diseases, and accidents.
Profit, People, Planet
Global Initiatives (GAI)
The Center of Strategic and international Studies (CSIS) explores the long-term economic, social, and geopolitical implications of demographic change in the United States and around the world. CSIS established GAI in 1999 to raise awareness of global ageing, to inform policymakers and the public about the challenges it poses, and to encourage timely and constructive reform.
Miscellaneous
Global Ageing Myths
1: Ageing is a boring topic.
2: All old people are pretty much the same. No, research shows that many individuals in their 70s and beyond function as well as their younger counterparts.
3: An unsound body equals an unsound mind. In fact, however, we can have a lot wrong with us physically and still remain sharp intellectually.
4: Memory is the first thing to go - whereas the scientific community agrees that other mental powers nose downwards before factual memory.
5: Use it or lose it. Fifty years of research show that as much as we may use our intellectual capacities, they decline as we grow older.
6: Old dogs can't learn new tricks. But physical and mental capabilities can be improved dramatically with practice. Presently oldsters are learning to use computers in record numbers.
7: Old people are isolated and lonely. Things we can do to reduce this possibility include reweaving our social networks and seeking virtual friends on the Internet.
8: Old people are depressed and have every right to be. The facts are that people over 65 report fewer signs of depression than midlife adults.
9: Wisdom requires being smart and elderly. The qualities of wisdom have little to do with intelligence. They are modesty, kindness, dispassion and self-control.
Transition to Globalisation
Leaving Parents Behind: Migration and Elderly Living Arrangements in Mexico
This analysis discusses the complicated processes through which U.S. migration might influence elderly living arrangements, and the exploratory results provide evidence suggesting that the migration of adult children, especially married children, may raise the chances of living alone by nearly twofold in 52 origin villages.
Globalisation > Demography > Migration
Transition to Political Tools
Strengthening Older People’s Rights: Towards a UN Convention
A UN Convention on the Rights of Older Persons is necessary to ensure that older women and men can realise their rights. With a new UN convention, and the assistance of a Special Rapporteur, governments can have an explicit legal framework, guidance and support that would enable them to ensure that older people’s rights are realised in our increasingly ageing societies.
Political Tools > Global > UN > Basic Structure > Legal System > Human Rights
Transition to Political Actors
National Institute on Aging
The Institute's mission is to:
•Support and conduct genetic, biological, clinical, behavioral, social, and economic research related to the aging process, diseases and conditions associated with aging, and other special problems and needs of older Americans.
•Foster the development of research and clinician scientists in ageing.
•Communicate information about ageing and advances in research on ageing to the scientific community, health care providers, and the public.
Political Actors-> Civil Society-> NGOs-> Health
