Asia's Rapidly Aging Population Poses Economic and Social Challenges
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Asia will account for 70% of the increase in senior citizens in poor countries by 2050. Many countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka are getting old before getting rich.
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Shrinking workforces and declining agricultural output will hurt economic growth in aging Asian countries.
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Most elderly in Asia lack adequate pensions and health care. Families are the main source of care, but rapid urbanization is weakening traditional family support systems.
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Women fare worse than men in old age due to lower incomes, worse health, and longer life expectancies.
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Policymakers have been slow to respond to aging. Bolder steps like encouraging later retirement, women's employment, and more elderly care services are needed.