UN Population Fund Issues Report on Global Aging

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has released a report showing that the number of older persons is increasing faster than any other age group, with the population of over-60-year-olds expected to reach one billion within the decade. Thus, among other things, "Ageing in the Twenty-first Century: A Celebration and a Challenge" calls for urgent action by governments to address the needs of the "greying generation."

If not addressed promptly, the consequences of these issues are likely to take unprepared countries by surprise. In many developing countries with large populations of young people, for example, the challenge is that governments have not put policies and practices in place to support their current older populations or made enough preparations for 2050.

The report does acknowledge that important progress has been made by many countries in adopting new policies, strategies, plans and laws on aging. With respect to employment, the report finds that 47% of older men and nearly 24% of older women participate in the labor force. Yet, despite the contributions that a socially and economically active, secure and healthy ageing population can give to society, the report also notes that many older persons all over the world face continued discrimination, abuse and violence. The report calls for governments, civil society and the general public to work together to end these destructive practices and to invest in older people.

Source: United Nations Population Fund Press Release (October 1, 2012)