Embracing an Aging Population & Declining Fertility with Dignity
To counteract the increasingly alarmist fears of population decline, we have a sobering conversation with population economist and author of the book, Decline and Prosper! Changing Global Birth Rates and the Advantages of Fewer Children, Dr. Vegard Skirbekk. Dr. Skirbekk takes us through decades of demographic research to lay to rest apocalyptic forecasts and insecurities around exploding healthcare costs, high shares of people dependent on others for care and economic support, labor shortages, and economic and cultural stagnation, and explains why instead a declining birth rate is not only a positive trend but one that can lead to more prosperity. Dr. Skirbekk provides key ideas on how governments can and should embrace and adapt to an aging population through citizen-centered policies and attitudes.