Policy options to support Asia's growing elderly population

Publication Date: January 2000

Publisher: East-West Center

Author(s): Sidney B. Westley; Sang-Hyop Lee; Andrew Mason

Research Area: Health; Population and demographics

Type: Brief

Coverage: Asia

Abstract:

Effective strategies that foster economic security for the elderly should include, as a priority, policies that increase labor market flexibility and remove barriers faced by older workers. The elimination of gender discrimination in the workplace will allow women the largest group of elderly to better prepare for old age. Policies are also needed that favor education and job training, that help families support and care for their elderly relatives, and that provide old-age benefits based on a carefully considered balance between self-funding and resource transfers from younger to older generations. How well countries can provide financial security for their growing elderly populations will also depend, in large part, on the performance of their economies.