Global Aging

 

SCL’s Global Aging program focuses on the geopolitical ramifications of differential aging trends in developed and less developed regions of the world. Aging is a structural change that is occurring because people are living longer and having fewer children, but changes in age structure differ dramatically across countries, reflecting variation in the timing and pace of longevity gains and fertility declines. Because these demographic developments and divergent patterns have significant implications for economic growth, political stability, and national security, understanding how they are likely to unfold is critical for addressing them wisely. The economic and political implications are huge and the stakes for individual counties are high. The overarching goal of the Global Aging Program is to initiate collaborative research and public discourse on the challenges of population aging.

 

Activities

State Department Summit on Global Aging- On March 15th, 2007, the U.S. Department of State hosted a meeting on Global Aging for the diplomatic corps. The Stanford Center on Longevity played an essential role in planning the meeting which included sessions on economic, health and security implications of population aging.

 

Briefing on Global Aging: How Population Aging Differs Across Countries: A Briefing on Global Demographics, March 2007-This compendium of charts, maps, and analysis was prepared by Adele Hayutin, Director of SCL’s Global Aging Program, as background for the State Department Summit on Global Aging. The briefing highlights demographic changes that are already underway or will soon unfold, and it describes how population aging differs around the world. In his preface to the report, former Secretary of State George Shultz says that “global aging is among the most pivotal changes of our time. Stark demographic differences among nations will significantly shape almost every aspect of national and international life.” In addition to illustrating stark difference across countries, the briefing highlights key regional differences.

How Population Aging Differs Across Countries: A Briefing on Global Demographics, March 2007

 

Congressional Briefing on Global Aging: Why Population Aging Matters- Adele Hayutin, Director of SCL’s Global Aging Program, participated as one of four speakers in a Congressional Staff briefing on “Why Population Aging Matters” presented to the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The briefing was organized by the Consortium of Social Science Associations and the Population Association of America.

Why Population Aging Matters: A Global Perspective, May 2007

 

Cross-National Comparison of Aging-Related Policies and Programs- SCL has contracted with the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) to investigate the feasibility of developing a data base for cross-national comparison of aging-related policies and programs. We will also be developing aging-related policy profiles for selected countries. Our goal is to develop quantitative as well as qualitative information on various aging -related policies and programs so that we can begin to understand and suggest “best practices.”

 

Comprehensive Integrated Data Base of Global Demographic and Economic Data- We are working with Stanford Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS) to develop a comprehensive data base that would integrate demographic and economic data from multiple sources and that would be easily accessible for academic researchers and policy makers. Our goal is to facilitate comparative analysis of country demographic data and analysis of economic and political implications of demographic change.

 

Graphic Display of Trends in Global Aging- SCL is investigating development of graphic displays of demographic data and trends. We are pursuing the option of interactive graphics so that users could quickly see the impact of alternative scenarios; this would allow policymakers to visualize the impacts of changes to key assumptions such as fertility and labor force participation.

 

International Collaborations

Professor Duncan Moore, through meetings with key Japanese government and academic leaders, has established the groundwork for SCL-Japanese collaboration on elder technology.

Publications

How Population Aging Differs Across Countries: A Briefing on Global Demographics, March 2007
Adele M. Hayutin, Ph.D.

Demographic Shifts Create Challenges and Opportunities- PREA Quarterly
Adele M. Hayutin, Ph.D.

The Graying of the Global Population
Adele M. Hayutin, Ph.D.

Global Aging: The New New Thing
Adele M. Hayutin, Ph.D.