The Senior Tsunami
Th e world is experiencing a profound transformation in age structures, with significant implications for societies and economies. An aging demographic , characterized by an aging population, has far-reaching consequences beyond individual lives. In this chapter, I delve into the complexities and implications of changing age structures, exploring the multifaceted impact on societies and economies worldwide. The first step in understanding the implications of changing age structures is to grasp the magnitude and pace of the demographic shift. Across the globe, birth rates have been declining while life expectancies are increasing, resulting in a rapidly growing proportion of older adults. I examine the underlying factors driving this shift, including declining fertility rates, healthcare advances, and living conditions. The changing age structures bring about significant societal implications. One of the foremost challenges is the strain on social welfare systems. As the number of old