Welfare Reform on the Web (September 2009): Care of the elderly - overseas

Global ageing in comparative perspective: a critical discussion

J.L. Powell and I.G. Cook

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 29, 2009, p. 388-400

As a consequence of worldwide population ageing, societies are being confronted with profound challenges relating to illness and healthcare, access to housing and pension provision. The ageing of the global population is without parallel in human history. If present demographic trends continue, by 2050 the number of older people globally will exceed the number of young for the first time since records began, raising questions about the ability of the nation state to cope.