The Future of Pensions and Healthcare in a Rapidly Ageing World Scenarios to 2030
Populations around the world are ageing rapidly, not only in the advanced economies but also in the emerging and developing economies. The UN predicts that by 2050, one-third of the populations in developed countries and one-fifth of those in developing countries will be aged 60
or older.
This phenomenon will have significant impacts on societal, economic and political structures. Socially, ageing societies imply a larger proportion of the population will be less economically active and more dependent on others. Economically, ageing populations imply smaller proportional labour forces, a potentially higher burden on health services, and a different demand profile for products and services. Politically, the power balance will shift towards older citizens and intergenerational conflicts may arise.
While ageing societies raise a range of critical questions, this study focuses on the effects these demographic shifts could have on how societies plan for and deliver pensions and healthcare services to the elderly. In both of these areas, the world faces the challenges of financial sustainability, equitable access, minimum standards of adequacy and quality, efficient delivery models and, potentially, new industry structures.