Francis G. Castles
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- November 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199270170
- eISBN:
- 9780191601514
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199270171.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
Examines the supposed threat to the future trajectory of social spending posed by population ageing. An initial focus is on the contrast between the sense of crisis characterizing popular and ...
More
Examines the supposed threat to the future trajectory of social spending posed by population ageing. An initial focus is on the contrast between the sense of crisis characterizing popular and governmental accounts with the more measured analysis of demographers and economists. Later sections examine a variety of welfare state programmes for the old and show that expenditure trajectories are only marginallyinfluenced by demographic considerations, but that what really influences expenditure outcomes is the differential generosity of pension provision in different families of nations. Differential generosity is also shown to be a further factor influencing aggregate patterns of social expenditure.Less
Examines the supposed threat to the future trajectory of social spending posed by population ageing. An initial focus is on the contrast between the sense of crisis characterizing popular and governmental accounts with the more measured analysis of demographers and economists. Later sections examine a variety of welfare state programmes for the old and show that expenditure trajectories are only marginallyinfluenced by demographic considerations, but that what really influences expenditure outcomes is the differential generosity of pension provision in different families of nations. Differential generosity is also shown to be a further factor influencing aggregate patterns of social expenditure.
Francis G. Castles
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- November 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199270170
- eISBN:
- 9780191601514
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199270171.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
This book uses data from 21 OECD countries for the period 1980 to 1998 to test a variety of hypotheses suggesting that contemporary welfare states are in crisis and to establish the factors shaping ...
More
This book uses data from 21 OECD countries for the period 1980 to 1998 to test a variety of hypotheses suggesting that contemporary welfare states are in crisis and to establish the factors shaping the trajectory of welfare state development during these years. It assesses the validity of arguments that globalization leads to a ‘race to the bottom’ in social spending and that population ageing poses a threat to public budgets. It finds both of these arguments wanting and, instead, suggests that contemporary welfare states have been converging to a steady state over recent decades. The book also examines the extent to which welfare states across the OECD have been restructured in recent years and whether there are signs of the emergence of a distinctive European ‘social model’. Again, it finds that accounts of substantial welfare state restructuring and of the Europeanization of the welfare state are much exaggerated. Finally, the book identifies a potential threat to the viability of existing societies in a trend to declining fertility throughout the advanced world, but argues that the welfare state in the form of family-friendly policy is actually our best protection against this trend.Less
This book uses data from 21 OECD countries for the period 1980 to 1998 to test a variety of hypotheses suggesting that contemporary welfare states are in crisis and to establish the factors shaping the trajectory of welfare state development during these years. It assesses the validity of arguments that globalization leads to a ‘race to the bottom’ in social spending and that population ageing poses a threat to public budgets. It finds both of these arguments wanting and, instead, suggests that contemporary welfare states have been converging to a steady state over recent decades. The book also examines the extent to which welfare states across the OECD have been restructured in recent years and whether there are signs of the emergence of a distinctive European ‘social model’. Again, it finds that accounts of substantial welfare state restructuring and of the Europeanization of the welfare state are much exaggerated. Finally, the book identifies a potential threat to the viability of existing societies in a trend to declining fertility throughout the advanced world, but argues that the welfare state in the form of family-friendly policy is actually our best protection against this trend.
Feng Wang and Andrew Mason
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199299294
- eISBN:
- 9780191715082
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199299294.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This chapter examines the major consequences, especially economic consequences, of population ageing. It shows that population ageing not only opens a demographic window for economic development by ...
More
This chapter examines the major consequences, especially economic consequences, of population ageing. It shows that population ageing not only opens a demographic window for economic development by providing the first demographic dividend, but also has the potential to provide a second demographic dividend because changes in age structure influence the processes that lead to the creation of wealth. Such dividends could play a crucial part in China's future economic development.Less
This chapter examines the major consequences, especially economic consequences, of population ageing. It shows that population ageing not only opens a demographic window for economic development by providing the first demographic dividend, but also has the potential to provide a second demographic dividend because changes in age structure influence the processes that lead to the creation of wealth. Such dividends could play a crucial part in China's future economic development.
Zhongwei Zhao and Fei Guo (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199299294
- eISBN:
- 9780191715082
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199299294.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, South and East Asia
This book examines the major demographic changes that have taken in China in recent decades and the major demographic challenges at the beginning of the 21st century. The extensive evidence presented ...
More
This book examines the major demographic changes that have taken in China in recent decades and the major demographic challenges at the beginning of the 21st century. The extensive evidence presented in the book demonstrates that China has been going through a profound demographic revolution characterized by drastic mortality decline, unprecedented fertility transition, rapid increase of internal migration, fast change in population age structure, and remarkable variations in demographic patterns across different regions and among various ethnic groups. The book systematically analyzes challenges brought about by these changes and their impact on China's future socio-economic development. On the basis of their extensive research and newly available data, contributors to this book provide the latest updated and insightful studies on a wide range of population issues.Less
This book examines the major demographic changes that have taken in China in recent decades and the major demographic challenges at the beginning of the 21st century. The extensive evidence presented in the book demonstrates that China has been going through a profound demographic revolution characterized by drastic mortality decline, unprecedented fertility transition, rapid increase of internal migration, fast change in population age structure, and remarkable variations in demographic patterns across different regions and among various ethnic groups. The book systematically analyzes challenges brought about by these changes and their impact on China's future socio-economic development. On the basis of their extensive research and newly available data, contributors to this book provide the latest updated and insightful studies on a wide range of population issues.
Francis G. Castles
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- November 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199270170
- eISBN:
- 9780191601514
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199270171.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Economy
Explores the themes of what follows. It argues that the welfare state literature of the past quarter century has been big on crisis theories of the welfare state and much weaker on facts. The chapter ...
More
Explores the themes of what follows. It argues that the welfare state literature of the past quarter century has been big on crisis theories of the welfare state and much weaker on facts. The chapter suggests that, in order to say something meaningful about the future of the welfare state, we need to test crisis accounts, such as those built around globalization and population ageing, with facts drawn from comparative analysis to establish which are myths and which are realities.Less
Explores the themes of what follows. It argues that the welfare state literature of the past quarter century has been big on crisis theories of the welfare state and much weaker on facts. The chapter suggests that, in order to say something meaningful about the future of the welfare state, we need to test crisis accounts, such as those built around globalization and population ageing, with facts drawn from comparative analysis to establish which are myths and which are realities.
Paul Pierson
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198297567
- eISBN:
- 9780191600104
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198297564.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This is the third of three chapters on the sources of pressure on contemporary national welfare states, all of which seek to show how examining the sources of strain carries implications for ...
More
This is the third of three chapters on the sources of pressure on contemporary national welfare states, all of which seek to show how examining the sources of strain carries implications for identifying who is likely to fight with whom over what; the authors of the three chapters are not of one mind on this issue. Here, Pierson focuses on trends within affluent democracies that constitute potential sources of the strains usually attributed to globalization. Like Iversen in the previous chapter, he highlights the role of the shift from manufacturing to services, but rather than focusing on the disruption of employment, his concern is the shift in the workforce to activities where productivity improvements are more limited; the result has been slower economic growth, which generates fiscal strain for mature welfare states. This, for Pierson, is one of a series of ‘post‐industrial shifts’ that produce severe pressures on the welfare state — others include the maturation of governmental commitments, the transformation of household structures, and population ageing. All these shifts create intense fiscal problems; in addition, social change in a context where programmes are often slow to adapt generates mismatches between the inherited capacities of welfare states and contemporary demands for social provision.Less
This is the third of three chapters on the sources of pressure on contemporary national welfare states, all of which seek to show how examining the sources of strain carries implications for identifying who is likely to fight with whom over what; the authors of the three chapters are not of one mind on this issue. Here, Pierson focuses on trends within affluent democracies that constitute potential sources of the strains usually attributed to globalization. Like Iversen in the previous chapter, he highlights the role of the shift from manufacturing to services, but rather than focusing on the disruption of employment, his concern is the shift in the workforce to activities where productivity improvements are more limited; the result has been slower economic growth, which generates fiscal strain for mature welfare states. This, for Pierson, is one of a series of ‘post‐industrial shifts’ that produce severe pressures on the welfare state — others include the maturation of governmental commitments, the transformation of household structures, and population ageing. All these shifts create intense fiscal problems; in addition, social change in a context where programmes are often slow to adapt generates mismatches between the inherited capacities of welfare states and contemporary demands for social provision.
Sarah Harper
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199251162
- eISBN:
- 9780191602740
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199251169.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Intergenerational tension and solidarity has been present in American family structures even before the Civil War. Kin ties remain transient and malleable. Americans still act as if they believe that ...
More
Intergenerational tension and solidarity has been present in American family structures even before the Civil War. Kin ties remain transient and malleable. Americans still act as if they believe that they are part of one happy family, with many pretending to believe that blood is thicker than water. This chapter begins with a discussion on the history of the American family. It highlights developments that have altered the context in which general relations develop, and reviews some consequences of population ageing on domestic politics.Less
Intergenerational tension and solidarity has been present in American family structures even before the Civil War. Kin ties remain transient and malleable. Americans still act as if they believe that they are part of one happy family, with many pretending to believe that blood is thicker than water. This chapter begins with a discussion on the history of the American family. It highlights developments that have altered the context in which general relations develop, and reviews some consequences of population ageing on domestic politics.
Peter Lloyd-Sherlock
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847421920
- eISBN:
- 9781447303022
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847421920.003.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Population ageing and the lives of older people are often framed by a number of stereotypes and generalisations. It is often misconstrued to be ‘problematic’ for development. However, given the ...
More
Population ageing and the lives of older people are often framed by a number of stereotypes and generalisations. It is often misconstrued to be ‘problematic’ for development. However, given the complexity and diversity of development experiences, any claims about the effects of population ageing or experiences of later life must be based on firm, specific evidence. As will be evident in the succeeding chapters, the research study contends that population ageing must be seen as an integral part of development rather than an external threat to it, and that the processes of development are complex and highly variable, giving rise to diverse patterns of population change which lead to diverse experiences of later life.Less
Population ageing and the lives of older people are often framed by a number of stereotypes and generalisations. It is often misconstrued to be ‘problematic’ for development. However, given the complexity and diversity of development experiences, any claims about the effects of population ageing or experiences of later life must be based on firm, specific evidence. As will be evident in the succeeding chapters, the research study contends that population ageing must be seen as an integral part of development rather than an external threat to it, and that the processes of development are complex and highly variable, giving rise to diverse patterns of population change which lead to diverse experiences of later life.
David Stuckler, Karen Siegel, Roberto De Vogli, and Sanjay Basu
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199574407
- eISBN:
- 9780191731204
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199574407.003.0027
- Subject:
- Public Health and Epidemiology, Public Health
This chapter examines why chronic diseases have risen so markedly over the past several decades. It begins by assessing the contribution of individual risk factors to the disease burden. It then ...
More
This chapter examines why chronic diseases have risen so markedly over the past several decades. It begins by assessing the contribution of individual risk factors to the disease burden. It then evaluates the social and environmental context of these risks using a theoretical framework that spans individual and population levels. It provides a series of case studies to illustrate the importance of major societal changes to population risks of chronic diseases, including political choices in Eastern Europe's transition from communism, the sudden wealth of the Western Pacific islands, and the periods of prolonged economic hardship experienced in Finland, Japan's ‘double-dip’ recession, and Cuba's ‘Special Period’. The chapter concludes by revisiting the leading population theories of health, health transition, risk factors, and population ageing, in the context of the societal determinants of health.Less
This chapter examines why chronic diseases have risen so markedly over the past several decades. It begins by assessing the contribution of individual risk factors to the disease burden. It then evaluates the social and environmental context of these risks using a theoretical framework that spans individual and population levels. It provides a series of case studies to illustrate the importance of major societal changes to population risks of chronic diseases, including political choices in Eastern Europe's transition from communism, the sudden wealth of the Western Pacific islands, and the periods of prolonged economic hardship experienced in Finland, Japan's ‘double-dip’ recession, and Cuba's ‘Special Period’. The chapter concludes by revisiting the leading population theories of health, health transition, risk factors, and population ageing, in the context of the societal determinants of health.
Sarah Harper
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780199251162
- eISBN:
- 9780191602740
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199251169.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
This chapter examines the availability and supportive functions of extended kin relationships in later life, drawing on the results of the Berlin Ageing study. It is shown that in addition to close ...
More
This chapter examines the availability and supportive functions of extended kin relationships in later life, drawing on the results of the Berlin Ageing study. It is shown that in addition to close family, distant relatives are an important resource of social functioning in later life. Extended kinship activation is associated with reduced risk of loneliness, regardless of whether relatives were involved in specific functional transactions.Less
This chapter examines the availability and supportive functions of extended kin relationships in later life, drawing on the results of the Berlin Ageing study. It is shown that in addition to close family, distant relatives are an important resource of social functioning in later life. Extended kinship activation is associated with reduced risk of loneliness, regardless of whether relatives were involved in specific functional transactions.
Richard Y. C. Wong and Ka-fu Wong
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9789622099180
- eISBN:
- 9789882206984
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789622099180.003.0005
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Asian Studies
With institutional and cultural improvisations facilitated by systems of law regarding custom and rights, Hong Kong has, over the century, absorbed different kinds of migrants and sojourners. The ...
More
With institutional and cultural improvisations facilitated by systems of law regarding custom and rights, Hong Kong has, over the century, absorbed different kinds of migrants and sojourners. The mobile populations have been driven by diverse individual and family strategies. The postwar years saw continuing ebbs and flows of people across Hong Kong's borders. This chapter uses census and other quantitative data to highlight the dramatic changes in the demographic landscape due to the massive population flows from China and discusses the implications for the territory's labor market and subsequent economic development. Hong Kong's population is ageing. The study shows that by 2011 the largest population age group will be those who have turned fifty. The chapter argues that in the absence of major policy changes, the best educated segment of Hong Kong by the year 2031 will be in one of the oldest age categories (55–59).Less
With institutional and cultural improvisations facilitated by systems of law regarding custom and rights, Hong Kong has, over the century, absorbed different kinds of migrants and sojourners. The mobile populations have been driven by diverse individual and family strategies. The postwar years saw continuing ebbs and flows of people across Hong Kong's borders. This chapter uses census and other quantitative data to highlight the dramatic changes in the demographic landscape due to the massive population flows from China and discusses the implications for the territory's labor market and subsequent economic development. Hong Kong's population is ageing. The study shows that by 2011 the largest population age group will be those who have turned fifty. The chapter argues that in the absence of major policy changes, the best educated segment of Hong Kong by the year 2031 will be in one of the oldest age categories (55–59).
Peter Lloyd-Sherlock
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847421920
- eISBN:
- 9781447303022
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847421920.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
The study looks at the case of South Africa and pays particular attention to relationships between later life and race. The history of South Africa has been framed by issues of race and colonisation, ...
More
The study looks at the case of South Africa and pays particular attention to relationships between later life and race. The history of South Africa has been framed by issues of race and colonisation, and they continue to shape the country's experiences of population ageing until today. Its development was driven by the mining sector, which depended on large supplies of migrant African labour. This gave rise to divided families and complex patterns of social relations. The Apartheid system also formalized discrimination between racial groups, and as a result, experiences of later life vary profoundly across different racial groups. Population ageing is set in a wider context of fertility transition, as well as shifts in life expectancy, living arrangements and the impact of the AIDS epidemic. The chapter focuses on the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on older people, along with the effects of the country's extensive social pension programme.Less
The study looks at the case of South Africa and pays particular attention to relationships between later life and race. The history of South Africa has been framed by issues of race and colonisation, and they continue to shape the country's experiences of population ageing until today. Its development was driven by the mining sector, which depended on large supplies of migrant African labour. This gave rise to divided families and complex patterns of social relations. The Apartheid system also formalized discrimination between racial groups, and as a result, experiences of later life vary profoundly across different racial groups. Population ageing is set in a wider context of fertility transition, as well as shifts in life expectancy, living arrangements and the impact of the AIDS epidemic. The chapter focuses on the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on older people, along with the effects of the country's extensive social pension programme.
J. Scott Brown and Scott M. Lynch
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447310716
- eISBN:
- 9781447310730
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447310716.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Population ageing is a demographic phenomenon, which is often captured in population projections. Demographers make such projections based on a combination of fertility rates, mortality rates, and ...
More
Population ageing is a demographic phenomenon, which is often captured in population projections. Demographers make such projections based on a combination of fertility rates, mortality rates, and migration rates. These three pieces of information correspond to the life events of childbirth, death, and migration, which are structuring elements in life-courses. The present chapter draws on this connection between macro-level change and individual lives to illustrate that population ageing tells a story about life-courses.Less
Population ageing is a demographic phenomenon, which is often captured in population projections. Demographers make such projections based on a combination of fertility rates, mortality rates, and migration rates. These three pieces of information correspond to the life events of childbirth, death, and migration, which are structuring elements in life-courses. The present chapter draws on this connection between macro-level change and individual lives to illustrate that population ageing tells a story about life-courses.
Joseph Troisi
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781447301066
- eISBN:
- 9781447311393
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447301066.003.0002
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
One of the most significant phenomena of the twentieth century has been Population Ageing. This demographic phenomenon poses unique challenges to every society. The links between demography and the ...
More
One of the most significant phenomena of the twentieth century has been Population Ageing. This demographic phenomenon poses unique challenges to every society. The links between demography and the study of Ageing cannot but be overemphasised. Adequate, timely and reliable demographic data is essential for the formulation of policies and action programs for the elderly. Inspite of this, however, insofar as demographic studies are concerned, though a lot has been written on the subject, the Mediterranean Region has never been studied as a separate entity. The present study is an attempt to fill in the present lacuna. Although population ageing is a phenomenon prevalent in all the countries, the ageing of population varies in intensity from one country. In this paper, data pertaining to the 21 Mediterranean countries and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is collated under three separate topics namely: Determinants of population ageing,;Trends in Population ageing; and demographic characteristics of the elderly populationLess
One of the most significant phenomena of the twentieth century has been Population Ageing. This demographic phenomenon poses unique challenges to every society. The links between demography and the study of Ageing cannot but be overemphasised. Adequate, timely and reliable demographic data is essential for the formulation of policies and action programs for the elderly. Inspite of this, however, insofar as demographic studies are concerned, though a lot has been written on the subject, the Mediterranean Region has never been studied as a separate entity. The present study is an attempt to fill in the present lacuna. Although population ageing is a phenomenon prevalent in all the countries, the ageing of population varies in intensity from one country. In this paper, data pertaining to the 21 Mediterranean countries and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is collated under three separate topics namely: Determinants of population ageing,;Trends in Population ageing; and demographic characteristics of the elderly population
Peter Lloyd-Sherlock
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847421920
- eISBN:
- 9781447303022
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847421920.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Over the next forty years the number of people aged over sixty in the world, many of whom live in developing regions, will grow by 1¼ billion. What will old age be like for them? This book provides ...
More
Over the next forty years the number of people aged over sixty in the world, many of whom live in developing regions, will grow by 1¼ billion. What will old age be like for them? This book provides an analysis of links between development, population ageing and older people, challenging some widely held misconceptions. It highlights the complexity of international experiences and argues that the effects of population ageing on development are influenced by policy choices. The book recognizes that development is a global process and refers to the experiences of a wide range of countries, including those from the so-called ‘developed world’. It pays particular attention to low- and middle-income countries. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing ideas from sociology, economics, demography and other fields.Less
Over the next forty years the number of people aged over sixty in the world, many of whom live in developing regions, will grow by 1¼ billion. What will old age be like for them? This book provides an analysis of links between development, population ageing and older people, challenging some widely held misconceptions. It highlights the complexity of international experiences and argues that the effects of population ageing on development are influenced by policy choices. The book recognizes that development is a global process and refers to the experiences of a wide range of countries, including those from the so-called ‘developed world’. It pays particular attention to low- and middle-income countries. It takes a multidisciplinary approach, drawing ideas from sociology, economics, demography and other fields.
Alan Walker
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- May 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447314660
- eISBN:
- 9781447314691
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447314660.003.0008
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
This chapter examines the contribution of the multi-disciplinary NDA Programme and outlines the new policy approach that is required to accompany the new scientific one advanced in this volume. It ...
More
This chapter examines the contribution of the multi-disciplinary NDA Programme and outlines the new policy approach that is required to accompany the new scientific one advanced in this volume. It contends that that activity, in a wide variety of forms, is a key to well-being in later life. In order to highlight the potential of active ageing as a policy paradigm, as well as the risks of misrepresentation it entails, it discusses three parallel developments associated with population ageing. After examining the origins of active ageing, the chapter concludes by arguing that a new, more comprehensive approach to it would promote both citizenship and social inclusion.Less
This chapter examines the contribution of the multi-disciplinary NDA Programme and outlines the new policy approach that is required to accompany the new scientific one advanced in this volume. It contends that that activity, in a wide variety of forms, is a key to well-being in later life. In order to highlight the potential of active ageing as a policy paradigm, as well as the risks of misrepresentation it entails, it discusses three parallel developments associated with population ageing. After examining the origins of active ageing, the chapter concludes by arguing that a new, more comprehensive approach to it would promote both citizenship and social inclusion.
Kathrin Komp and Stina Johansson (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9781447310716
- eISBN:
- 9781447310730
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447310716.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Populations around the globe age. For Western countries, this demographic shift is one of the biggest current challenges, challenging individual life plans, family arrangements, market structures, ...
More
Populations around the globe age. For Western countries, this demographic shift is one of the biggest current challenges, challenging individual life plans, family arrangements, market structures, care provisions, and the financial basis of pension schemes. This volume uses the life-course perspective to investigate causes and effects of population ageing. The life-course perspective suggests that individuals’ experiences at an early age can influence decisions and behaviour at a later age. Similarly, historical events such as World War II or the current economic crisis can alter current and future live choices of the individuals who lived through these events. Thus, the foundation for population ageing has already been laid in the past, and the effects of today’s intervention into population ageing will only be visible years or even decades in the future. This volume explains how insight from demography and life-course research can be merged to gain a better understanding of population ageing. It then applies a critical perspective to illustrate social inequalities in life-course effects. Finally, it discusses the practical implications on these insights, e.g. on families, the labour market, and on policy-making. To exemplify the discussions, the book includes examples from across Europe, Australia, China, and Northern America.Less
Populations around the globe age. For Western countries, this demographic shift is one of the biggest current challenges, challenging individual life plans, family arrangements, market structures, care provisions, and the financial basis of pension schemes. This volume uses the life-course perspective to investigate causes and effects of population ageing. The life-course perspective suggests that individuals’ experiences at an early age can influence decisions and behaviour at a later age. Similarly, historical events such as World War II or the current economic crisis can alter current and future live choices of the individuals who lived through these events. Thus, the foundation for population ageing has already been laid in the past, and the effects of today’s intervention into population ageing will only be visible years or even decades in the future. This volume explains how insight from demography and life-course research can be merged to gain a better understanding of population ageing. It then applies a critical perspective to illustrate social inequalities in life-course effects. Finally, it discusses the practical implications on these insights, e.g. on families, the labour market, and on policy-making. To exemplify the discussions, the book includes examples from across Europe, Australia, China, and Northern America.
Paul McGarry
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781447331315
- eISBN:
- 9781447331339
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781447331315.003.0012
- Subject:
- Sociology, Gerontology and Ageing
Chapter 12 charts the evolution of the Age-Friendly Manchester programme and, more broadly, explores how the UK government’s ageing policies and strategies have developed since the late 1990s, ...
More
Chapter 12 charts the evolution of the Age-Friendly Manchester programme and, more broadly, explores how the UK government’s ageing policies and strategies have developed since the late 1990s, highlighting four distinctive periods of nationally led activity relating to older people. It goes on to consider how the subsequent development of the age-friendly approach in Manchester has enabled a range of actors, notably local government agencies, to develop ageing programmes in the absence of national leadership. It discusses the City’s involvement in expanding its programme into an ambitious city-regional approach to age-friendly urban development, the first of its kind in the UK. The chapter demonstrates the potential for stimulating age-friendly initiatives at a local and regional level whilst at the same time highlighting the pressures facing urban authorities at a time of economic austerity.Less
Chapter 12 charts the evolution of the Age-Friendly Manchester programme and, more broadly, explores how the UK government’s ageing policies and strategies have developed since the late 1990s, highlighting four distinctive periods of nationally led activity relating to older people. It goes on to consider how the subsequent development of the age-friendly approach in Manchester has enabled a range of actors, notably local government agencies, to develop ageing programmes in the absence of national leadership. It discusses the City’s involvement in expanding its programme into an ambitious city-regional approach to age-friendly urban development, the first of its kind in the UK. The chapter demonstrates the potential for stimulating age-friendly initiatives at a local and regional level whilst at the same time highlighting the pressures facing urban authorities at a time of economic austerity.
Nicholas Barr
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199246595
- eISBN:
- 9780191595936
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199246599.003.0009
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
Two sets of issues will become increasingly salient. The first part of the chapter discusses strategies to address population ageing, with heavy emphasis on two policies – increasing economic growth ...
More
Two sets of issues will become increasingly salient. The first part of the chapter discusses strategies to address population ageing, with heavy emphasis on two policies – increasing economic growth and raising the retirement age. The second part of the chapter discusses the possibility of pension design that is compatible with national and international labour mobility, fragmented family structures, and international competitive pressures. A particular question is whether it is possible to design pensions that have not only the advantages of defined‐contribution schemes (improved labour mobility) but also the advantages of defined‐benefit schemes (greater individual certainty).Less
Two sets of issues will become increasingly salient. The first part of the chapter discusses strategies to address population ageing, with heavy emphasis on two policies – increasing economic growth and raising the retirement age. The second part of the chapter discusses the possibility of pension design that is compatible with national and international labour mobility, fragmented family structures, and international competitive pressures. A particular question is whether it is possible to design pensions that have not only the advantages of defined‐contribution schemes (improved labour mobility) but also the advantages of defined‐benefit schemes (greater individual certainty).
Sergei Scherbov, Warren C. Sanderson, Samir KC, and Wolfgang Lutz
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780198703167
- eISBN:
- 9780191772467
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198703167.003.0011
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Public and Welfare
Chapter 11 presents the results of alternative education scenarios using two approaches to measuring ageing, the conventional one based on chronological age and the recently developed approach that ...
More
Chapter 11 presents the results of alternative education scenarios using two approaches to measuring ageing, the conventional one based on chronological age and the recently developed approach that takes increasing life expectancy into account. Accordingly, this chapter presents conventional indicators of age structure, such as the proportion of the population above the age of 65, in comparison with new measures based on changing mortality conditions. The conventional ageing indicators lose some of their meaning when people live longer in good health. In contrast, the new view—reflected in the saying ‘70 is the new 60’—produces corresponding new indicators of population ageing, such as prospective median age and the proportion of the population with fewer than 15 years of remaining life expectancy. Based on these new indicators, population ageing over the twenty-first century is less rapid than according to the conventional ones.Less
Chapter 11 presents the results of alternative education scenarios using two approaches to measuring ageing, the conventional one based on chronological age and the recently developed approach that takes increasing life expectancy into account. Accordingly, this chapter presents conventional indicators of age structure, such as the proportion of the population above the age of 65, in comparison with new measures based on changing mortality conditions. The conventional ageing indicators lose some of their meaning when people live longer in good health. In contrast, the new view—reflected in the saying ‘70 is the new 60’—produces corresponding new indicators of population ageing, such as prospective median age and the proportion of the population with fewer than 15 years of remaining life expectancy. Based on these new indicators, population ageing over the twenty-first century is less rapid than according to the conventional ones.
