Ageing population doesn’t have to be a ‘time bomb’ | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD)

The catastrophe predicted to result from the rapid ageing of Asian populations is far from inevitable, said experts at a regional conference being held this week in Thailand.

Making changes to economic and health policies can help countries head off disaster by minimizing the burdens and maximizing the contributions of older persons, noted attendees at the conference, organized by the HelpAge International with support from UNFPA and the European Union.

Over 200 participants from 120 organizations in 29 Asian and Pacific countries are attending the conference to discuss how to respond to the demographic shift.

Philip O’Keefe, the World Bank’s lead economist on social protection and labour, said the risks associated with ageing are real but can be mitigated. “We always look at the costs, but the economic and business opportunities are enormous,” he noted.

In contrast to popular perceptions, later retirement does not mean fewer jobs for the young; studies show that having more older people working can increase GDP and create more demand for young workers.

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