Document Type
Book
Publication Date
2004
Abstract
In this supplement to Population and Development Review, distinguished social scientists bring a variety of disciplinary perspectives—economic, demographic, epidemiological—to bear on the subject of population aging, looking particularly to likely future trends and their economic consequences. Among the questions investigated: What can be said about the future course of longevity, given that research on both historical and contemporary populations belies the existence of a biologically fixed maximum for the human life span? To what extent do genetic factors contribute to the development of major chronic diseases of later life, such as Alzheimer’s? How can we unravel the strong positive association between socioeconomic status and health? (One striking finding: money does not buy health; education does—but through what channels?) What are the effects of increased longevity on the viability of publicly financed retirement and disability programs—and can we assign probabilities to such increases? The data drawn on come largely from elaborate longitudinal surveys such as the (US) Health and Retirement Study, the importance of which is thus underlined. Taken together, these chapters provide a portrait of a dynamic, vibrant, innovative program of research that lays the foundation for understanding population aging and the social and economic challenges it brings.
Recommended Citation
Waite, Linda J. (ed.) 2004. "Aging, Health, and Public Policy: Demographic and Economic Perspectives," supplement to Population and Development Review, Vol. 30. New York: Population Council, https://www.jstor.org/stable/i278907.
Language
English