Ageing workforce will soon be global crisis, warns IMF

Policies to encourage immigration and deter retirement may be needed in wealthy nations to deal with the looming challenges of an ageing population, the International Monetary Fund says.

The Washington-based financial watchdog has warned of a potential crisis among advanced economies as the baby boomers retire and an expanding pensioner population has to be supported by a dwindling workforce.

The issue is critical because pensions and healthcare costs are paid for by taxes levied on the income an economy generates. A shrinking labour force relative to the population can lead to higher taxes and lower benefits.

“Because older workers participate less in the labour market, the ageing of the population could slow growth and threaten the sustainability of social security systems,” the IMF said in…

Read More: The Times