Towards a reconceptualising of population ageing in emerging markets

Gietel-Basten, S., Scherbov, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0881-1073, & Sanderson, W. (2017). Towards a reconceptualising of population ageing in emerging markets. In: Vienna Yearbook of Population Research 2016. Eds. Scherbov, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0881-1073 & Sanderson, W., pp. 41-66 Vienna, Austria: Austrian Academy of Sciences. ISBN 978-3-7001-8151-4 10.1553/populationyearbook2016s041.

Preview

Text 040_81514_vypr2016_towards_041-066.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract

Variously defined, the ‘emerging markets’ [EMs] are frequently held up as thecountries that will shape global economic development in the 21st century. However,it is also often said that population ageing could limit growth in many EMs. Inthis paper, we explore the conventional measurements employed to demonstratepopulation ageing in EMs, and then move on to discuss whether these measurementsare, indeed, ‘fit for purpose’ when studying EMs. Drawing on the literatureon ‘prospective ageing’ (pioneered by Sanderson and Scherbov), we present analternative set of ageing measurements based on a boundary for ‘dependency’drawn from remaining life expectancy rather than chronological age. Using thesemeasurements, population ageing – at least as defined here – can be seen as a muchmore manageable prospect for many EMs. We also examine the challenges andthe opportunities for EMs associated with population ageing, and consider theirpotential advantages relative to the EU and North America in managing this trend.

Actions (login required)

View Item