How to cope with an ageing planet?
As people around the world live longer, cash-strapped governments struggle to supply them with services.
An ageing population can drag down the economy. Governments have to spend more on pensions and healthcare, while revenue from income taxes decreases.
The US, Europe and Australia have high proportions of older people. But Japan has by far the highest, with more than 30 percent of the population over the age of 60.
So, what are these governments doing to deal with the problem? And are they doing enough?
Presenter:
Kamahl Santamaria
Guests:
Toby Porter: CEO of HelpAge International that publishes an index on the social and economic well-being of older people.
Patrick Dixon: Chairman of the trends forecasting company Global Change Limited.
Michael Murphy: Professor of demography at the London School of Economics.