December 2024

Empowering the Next Generation: Adapting Hong Kong’s Workforce for Tomorrow

As we look toward the future of work in Asia, understanding the evolving dynamics of the workforce is crucial, particularly in the Hong Kong market. Mercer’s 2024 Global Talent Trends survey reveals that generational shifts, especially the influence of Gen Z, are reshaping workplace expectations and strategies. With a strong emphasis on flexible work arrangements, well-being, and technological engagement, companies in Hong Kong must adapt to meet the needs of this emerging workforce. By fostering a work environment that aligns with...

How the place where people live influences aging in Spain

As the population ages and grows in our cities, the question arises of whether this environment is truly a suitable space for older people to live fully, with health, comfort, and quality of life. Although cities offer access to medical services, social activities, and amenities that are often lacking in rural areas, they also present barriers that limit the quality of life. Are our streets and services really adapted to their needs? Are we making enough progress? Are rural...

India. Why a nation of 1.45 billion wants more children

Last year, India nudged past China to become the world's most populous country, according to UN estimates. With nearly 1.45 billion people now, you'd think the country would be quiet about having more children. But guess what? The chatter has suddenly picked up. Leaders of two southern states – Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu – have recently advocated more children. Andhra Pradesh is mulling providing incentives, citing low fertility rates and ageing population. The state also scrapped its "two-child policy" for local body elections,...

China. Families face realities of dealing with old age depression

At the age of 74, Wang Youlin had never imagined he would face the debilitating grip of depression. His life, once filled with laughter, adventure and the joy of watching his children grow up, began to unravel quietly in the months following his retirement. A formerly active man, he had been a basketball coach, shaping young minds and building lasting friendships with his students. But over time, something changed. The first signs were subtle. Wang, who usually got up at six...

South Korea. Number of newlyweds falls below 1 mil. in 2023, nearly half childless

The number of newly married couples in Korea dropped below 1 million for the first time in 2023, with nearly half without children, data showed Tuesday. Newlyweds refer to couples who had been married for five years or less. In 2023, the number came to 974,000, down from 1.03 million the previous year, according to the data from Statistics Korea. This marks the first time the number of newlyweds has fallen below 1 million since the agency began collecting relevant data in...

US. Gen X investors ‘sandwiched’ between caregiving responsibilities and preparing for retirement

Retirement is right around the corner for some Gen X investors, but are members of the “sandwich generation” – tasked with caring for both children and aging family members – prepared? According to a new survey from Nationwide, one in five are unable to save for retirement, and 23% have reduced or stopped making retirement contributions entirely. What’s more, one in six are withdrawing from retirement accounts or investments to manage the financial pressures of caring for both their parents...

November 2024

Population Trends Across the Globe

By Anne Morse These population estimates and projections show population trends that are unique to some countries and others that represent broader global shifts. They also help the U.S. government and the public answer fundamental questions about the world’s people and places. Today, the Census Bureau published revised estimates and projections for 34 countries or areas. The updates incorporate new population data and changes in demographic trends. Get the report here

Megatrends and the Future of Social Protection

By Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Ageing populations, changing labour markets, and climate change are affecting economies and societies across OECD countries. What challenges do these “megatrends” pose for social protection systems? What are the implications of these trends for the coverage, the effectiveness, and – critically – the funding of social protection today and tomorrow? With an eye towards informing future reforms, this report presents a broad stocktaking of population ageing, changing patterns of labour supply, new and emerging...

How are countries responding to the ageing workforce challenge?

An ageing population is an irreversible global trend, and it risks posing serious challenges over the next few decades. Pension systems, designed when populations were younger and life expectancy shorter, are now under immense pressure. To mitigate the impact of an ageing population, governments around the world are starting to implement a raft of measures. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, nations are amending pension laws and updating regulations to adapt to the changing demographics. Let’s delve into the details...

Universalizing the Access to Long-Term Care: Evidence from Spain

By Joan Costa-i-Font, Sergi Jiménez-Martín, Cristina Vilaplana Prieto & Analía Viola Spain together with Scotland are two countries that exhibit the largest expansions in long term care (LTC) in the last two decades, universalizing subsidies and supports. This paper is part of a global effort to provide a snapshot of the trends in LTC use and access, as well as the financing, and organization of the LTC system compared to other higher-income countries. The passage of Act 39/2006 on the Promotion of Personal Autonomy...