Demographic ageing: a proposal to consider the course of events

Abstract

The idea that societies will continue to age is increasingly accepted. However, this course of events begins to raise problems for the model of society concerning its «efficiency» (in which generations have a relationship of financial solidarity and each person's value in the job market is fixed mainly as a function of rigid chronological criteria). In these circumstances, it is important to try to develop ideas about the ways that «aged» societies should react to demographic ageing. Following the author's previous studies of demographic ageing which describe the process, the aim of this article is to introduce an overview of these developments. Therefore, some ideas are introduced that the author believes to be fundamental to a consideration of the subject. One of these is the concept of demographic ageing as a natural development that does not necessarily mean that societies where it happens are condemned. The proposed interpretation of the facts recognises that demographic ageing has potentials that are worth exploring. Finally, the author suggests some strategies for planning «aged» societies in future.