February 2023
09Feb

The number of older Americans is growing, and many states are unprepared

States with a master plan can more readily make sure diverse programs and agencies coordinate to keep the needs of aging adults at the forefront. New York is the latest state to authorize creation of a Master Plan for Aging, starting the process of developing systems to help older adults lead independent, meaningful and dignified lives in their own homes and communities as long as possible.   While several other states also have developed or are developing similar long-term proposals, which typically...

February 9, 2023
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December 2022
30Dec

Malaysia’s ageing population needs government attention

A news portal recently reported that a developer plans to turn Butterworth into a retirees’ haven. The report’s subtitle read: “Jayamas Property Group to create niche location, as Malaysia heads towards an ageing population by 2030.” The report said Butterworth is already being targeted as a private housing development hub for the elderly, with medical and healthcare services. Unfortunately, only wealthy senior citizens will be able to afford such services. The Department of Statistics has predicted that the country may soon become...

December 30, 2022
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08Dec

Intergenerational Solidarity

By Alan Gutterman Aging is a natural progression of the life cycle and society will always have persons of different ages who need to learn to live alongside one another. One of the most consistent themes in the debate regarding the realization of the human rights of older persons is the need to strengthen “intergenerational solidarity” between and among all levels of families, communities and nations in order to achieve social cohesion and a society for all ages and build...

December 8, 2022
Aging, Articles, ,
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08Dec

Aging societies: How can we design societies that benefit older and younger people?

The success of longevity interventions is putting countries on paths to becoming aging societies, in which the number of individuals aged 65 and older is equal to the number of people aged 15 and younger. This outcome may lead to resistance to investments in healthy longevity, according to aging experts, if concerns are raised that the needs of older individuals will overwhelm societies, exacerbate ageism, and divide populations. The National Academy of Medicine in the United States addressed this possibility...

December 8, 2022
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November 2022
17Nov

How will aging nations pay for their retirees?

If governments rack up debt to support their senior citizens, inflation may be here to stay As the world’s population crosses 8 billion, it’s getting older. On average, the bloom of youth came around 1970, when the median age of the world was roughly 21; by 2100, that figure will have climbed to 41 or 42. Forty is, of course, the new 20⁠—but this number is just an average. Many countries, particularly in Africa, will be younger, but the world’s most...

November 17, 2022
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03Nov

Trends in State and Local Pension Funds

By Oliver Giesecke & Joshua D. Rauh Unfunded public pension obligations represent the largest liability for state and local governments in the United States. As of fiscal year 2021, the total reported unfunded liabilities of these plans is $1.076 trillion. In contrast, the market value of the unfunded liability is approximately $6.501 trillion. As a result, the reported funding ratio of 82.5% falls to 43.8% under a market-based valuation. The market values reflect the fact that accrued pension promises are...

November 3, 2022
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September 2022
05Sep

UK. What policies will Liz Truss pursue as Britain’s new prime minister?

Truss set out a series of proposals during Tory leadership contest, but what can and will she deliver in office? The policy focus of a Truss prime ministership will, inevitably, be largely a work in progress, given she is taking office amid a hugely turbulent economic period. But during a long leadership campaign the new PM has set out a series of proposals and plans for government: Taxation and cost of living Truss’s clear economic priority is to cut taxes, a move...

September 5, 2022
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August 2022
30Aug

Retirement Security: Recent Efforts by Other Countries to Expand Plan Coverage and Facilitate Savings

By GAO Ensuring retirement income security for the aging U.S. workforce presents many challenges. People are increasingly responsible for their retirement planning, and as they live longer, they may outlive their savings. We reviewed steps other countries have taken to promote retirement plan savings. International experts informed us of several efforts, including auto-enrollment—which can increase plan participation for eligible workers but may not reach others, such as part-time or self-employed workers. Our review of these and other efforts can inform U.S. policymakers...

August 30, 2022
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26Aug

Recessions and Retirement: New Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Courtney Coile & Haiyi Zhang The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the US labor market, leading to an unprecedented loss of 22 million jobs in March and April 2020. Evidence from past recessions indicates that economic downturns are typically associated with an increase in retirements. In this study, we revisit the relationship between recessions and retirement in the COVID-19 era, using data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) supplemented by other data on economic and COVID conditions. We find that higher...

August 26, 2022
Articles, Labor Market, System Characterization, , ,
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12Aug

Social Protection for the Informal Economy. Operational Lessons for Developing Countries in Africa and Beyond

By Melis Guven, Himanshi Jain, & Clement Joubert The informal economy in Africa is large and diverse, and it is the main source of employment in the region. It is projected to grow and create more jobs. The informal economy is well established in the region, but it also faces a host of development challenges. It is characterized by low human capital and productivity compared with the formal economy and is typically associated with limited access to resources such as electricity, finance,...

August 12, 2022
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