Introduction
Elderly Germans belly up to the bar for lunch and a glass of beer during Munich's 16-day Oktoberfest. With a fifth of the population older than 65, Germany is the world's second-oldest nation — behind Japan. (Getty Images/Miguel Villagran)
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The world's populations are aging rapidly, triggering demographic changes that will have a profound impact on economies, government expenditures and international migration patterns. In the past century, life expectancy has doubled, while the average family size has shrunk. By 2050, the number of children under 5 is expected to drop by 49 million, while the number of adults over 60 will skyrocket — by 1.2 billion. An unprecedented number of senior citizens will be depending on diminishing numbers of younger workers to contribute to pension and health care programs for the elderly. And it's not just a problem for wealthy countries: Developing countries' elderly populations are growing faster than in the developed world. For example, in 20 years, China will have 167 million senior citizens — more than half the current U.S. population. On the positive side, some demographers believe aging societies will be more peaceful, since seniors suffer fewer crime and drug-abuse problems. And with fewer children, there could be more money per capita for their education.
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Older Americans and Senior Citizens |
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Jun. 07, 2019 |
The Retirement Crunch |
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Sep. 30, 2011 |
Prolonging Life |
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Mar. 15, 2011 |
The Graying Planet |
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Oct. 13, 2006 |
Caring for the Elderly |
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Feb. 20, 1998 |
Caring For the Elderly |
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Aug. 01, 1997 |
Age Discrimination |
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Dec. 06, 1991 |
Retiree Health Benefits |
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Aug. 19, 1988 |
The Elderly in an Aging America |
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Nov. 21, 1986 |
Home Health Care |
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Aug. 06, 1982 |
Housing Options for the Elderly |
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Nov. 10, 1971 |
Plight of the Aged |
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Nov. 06, 1963 |
Nursing Homes and Medical Care |
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May 20, 1959 |
Housing for the Elderly |
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Sep. 04, 1957 |
Health of the Aged |
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Aug. 01, 1949 |
Older People |
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Mar. 29, 1938 |
The Job Problem for Older Workers |
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