Abstract
There are various challenges associated within an ageing population and the policy responses to ageing across the globe. First, the financing of ageing is dependent on current taxation programs. Second, the need for reducing barriers for increasing labour force participation for those of working age and the elderly. Third, innovation and investment in human and productive capital in order to increase labour force productivity. Fourth, one-size-fits all policies to support ageing population is not suitable as not all the elderly are outside the labour force and not all depend on state transfers. Fifth, while increased health risks are associated with ageing, especially dementia, it is possible to minimise health risks through preventive programs and to reduce the costs of health care through community health programs and e-medicine. Finally, there are large flows of migrants to fill labour and skill shortages in developed countries of the region such as Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. It is in this context that this chapter reviews some of the initiatives from key international agencies such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United Nations (UN) in order to provide an overview of the policy challenges and potential policy approaches to addressing an ageing population.
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Larkin, R., Larkin, J. (2022). Addressing the Challenges of Ageing: A Global Perspective on Policies and Practices. In: Dhakal, S., Nankervis, A., Burgess, J. (eds) Ageing Asia and the Pacific in Changing Times. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-6663-6_2
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