Ageing in Asia: Issues and Challenges

Asia's elderly population is growing at a rate unprecedented in human history. A combination of longer life spans and declining birth rates is producing a population distribution skewed towards the aged. A rapidly ageing population has adverse effects on economic performance and prospects through a decrease in the labour force, lower investment and saving rates and spiralling healthcare and pension costs. A major concern is that some low-income countries may grow old before they grow rich. They could however cope with the demographic changes ahead, if they begin to prepare now. To this end, the developmental aspects of population ageing must be taken more seriously in policies and programmes.