{
  "id": 18709566,
  "title": "The Silver Linings Of an Aging World",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/the-silver-linings-of-an-aging-world",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T12:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Time",
    "slug": "time",
    "url": "https://time.com/article/2026/11/07/silver-linings-in-an-aging-world/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Demographic shifts are reshaping the world in remarkable ways, with aging populations becoming the norm in many regions. The old-age dependency ratio, which measures the number of working-age people relative to the elderly population, is rising across the globe. By 2035, Italy is projected to have nearly twice as many elderly people as working-age individuals, while Greece, Portugal, and Spain are also facing significant demographic changes. Similar trends are emerging in Latin America, including Cuba, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and Colombia. Even in Asia, countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand are experiencing rapid aging, with the old-age dependency ratio expected to surge from 21% to nearly 34% by 2035. In North America, population growth will be more moderate due to immigration, leading to a U.S. old-age dependency ratio of approximately 34% by 2035. While the implications of this global trend are alarming for many, there are also opportunities that can arise from aging societies. For instance, longer, healthier lives can extend the working years of individuals and provide a basis for new public investments. However, the transition also presents challenges, particularly for countries with growing public pension obligations and the need for forward-looking investments. Aging can also impact politics, as older generations tend to have a stronger electoral presence, complicating policies related to pensions and public investments. Despite these concerns, it is essential to recognize that aging is not inherently catastrophic. The longer, healthier lives of people can foster new coalitions supporting societal investments. The past offers evidence that past population expansions, driven by technological advancements and public health improvements, did not necessarily lead to economic burdens. Instead, stagnant population growth often resulted in economic stagnation. Thus, while age-related challenges are real, they should not overshadow the potential benefits of an aging world when societies adapt and invest in the right technologies.",
  "summary": "Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu argues that our aging world needs us to invest in technology and adapt our institutions to the demands of longer lives.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}