Preparing for the challenges of population aging in Asia: strengthening the scientific basis of policy development

Almost every country in the world is facing an aging population, a demographic transition that raises major issues for government policies in almost all areas, most especially in health, pensions, and employment. This population aging reflects both significant increases in longevity and significant decreases in fertility. Perhaps nowhere in the world is this demographic transition as stark as in parts of Asia, where rapid population aging is occurring at the same time as a dramatic economic transformation. With such rapid social, economic, and demographic changes under way, there is a clear need to enhance our understanding of how these transformations will affect the well-being of older people. It is particularly important to know how the changes will influence long-standing societal and familial arrangements that have traditionally been a vital part of the economic support of older people in the region.

Front Matter -- Contents -- Foreword -- I: Key Messages -- II: A Window of Opportunity -- III: The Changing Demography of Asia -- IV: What It Is Important to Know -- V: Strengthening Science to Inform Policy -- VI: Looking to the Future -- Notes -- Authoring Committees -- Acknowledgments.