Population aging raises questions for policymakers

Publication Date: January 2000

Publisher: East-West Center

Author(s): Sang-Hyop Lee; Andrew Mason

Research Area: Health; Population and demographics

Type: Brief

Coverage: Asia

Abstract:

All across Asia, populations age 65 and above are expected to grow rapidly over the next 50 years, both in terms of absolute numbers and as a proportion of Asian populations as a whole. Within the elderly population, the majority will continue to be women. Expanding proportions will be in the oldest age groups, will have a living spouse, and will have few or no adult children, while shrinking proportions will be in the workforce. These developments present a clear challenge to policymakers. Who will provide Asia's growing elderly population with the health services, financial support, and personal care they will need?