Zero population growth rate and eldercare hours: Are both optimal for some European Union countries?#

In: Pacific economic review, Band 29, Heft 1, S. 3-25

Abstract

AbstractAs zero population growth rates have existed for approximately 30 years in many European Union countries, one wonders whether this is optimal in these countries, considering differences in consumer preferences and wages. In this paper, we construct a framework to examine this issue, in particular incorporating both eldercare and immigration. Our theoretical and empirical analyses show that zero population growth rates are optimal, population growth rates and eldercare hours are determined separately, and eldercare hours may be optimal because of added support with public long‐term care spending of each country.