The Global Demography of Ageing: Facts, Explanations, Future

Forthcoming in the Handbook of the Economics of Population Ageing (Elsevier)

79 Pages Posted: 21 Dec 2014 Last revised: 27 Jun 2021

See all articles by David E. Bloom

David E. Bloom

Harvard University - T.H. Chan School of Public Health; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Dara Lee Luca

Mathematica Policy Research

Date Written: November 18, 2015

Abstract

The world is experiencing a sea change in its population age structure. People are living longer lives, and the share of older people in the total population is expanding rapidly. Between 2005 and 2050, the proportion of the population aged 60 and older will increase in every country in the world. This paper first reviews key facts and trends regarding past and projected population aging across regions. Next, we review the different hypotheses put forth in the economic and demographic literature on the causes of the phenomenon. Finally, we discuss the changing nature of aging, the future of longevity and associated policy implications.

JEL Classification: J11, J14, N30

Suggested Citation

Bloom, David E. and Luca, Dara Lee, The Global Demography of Ageing: Facts, Explanations, Future (November 18, 2015). Forthcoming in the Handbook of the Economics of Population Ageing (Elsevier), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2540279

David E. Bloom

Harvard University - T.H. Chan School of Public Health ( email )

677 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA MA 02115
United States
617-432-0654 (Phone)

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

1050 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
United States

Dara Lee Luca (Contact Author)

Mathematica Policy Research ( email )

P.O. Box 2393
Princeton, NJ 08543-2393
United States

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