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A Provocative Perspective on Population Aging and Old-Age Financial Protection

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  • Holzmann, Robert

    (University of New South Wales)

Abstract

Population aging is typically associated with economic challenges for productivity and financial threats for the old-age financial protection system of a country. This paper takes an optimistic position and outlines key ingredients to make it a successful experience. Yet to turn this challenge into an opportunity requires a significant change in a society's mindset and policies, such as recognizing that population aging and increased life expectancy are quite likely the biggest challenge to mankind in recorded history. This calls for a review and revision of societal institutions, from the likely oldest one – marriage – to one of the youngest – retirement income schemes. Mere tinkering at the margin of existing retirement income programs will be neither sufficient nor helpful. To develop the arguments, the paper reviews and proposes changes to the measurement of population aging – globally and for East Asian countries; outlines critical policy paths to address population aging successfully; analyzes the implications of population aging for the selection of an old-age financial protection system; and offers guidance to this end.

Suggested Citation

  • Holzmann, Robert, 2013. "A Provocative Perspective on Population Aging and Old-Age Financial Protection," IZA Discussion Papers 7571, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp7571
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sang-Hyop Lee & Andrew Mason & Donghyun Park, 2012. "Overview: why does population aging matter so much for Asia? Population aging, economic growth, and economic security in Asia," Chapters, in: Donghyun Park & Sang-Hyop Lee & Andrew Mason (ed.), Aging, Economic Growth, and Old-Age Security in Asia, chapter 1, pages 1-31, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    2. Aterido, Reyes & Hallward-Driemeier, Mary & Pagés, Carmen, 2011. "Does Expanding Health Insurance Beyond Formal-Sector Workers Encourage Informality?: Measuring the Impact of Mexico's Seguro Popular," IDB Publications (Working Papers) 4551, Inter-American Development Bank.
    3. Robert Holzmann, 2013. "Global pension systems and their reform: Worldwide drivers, trends and challenges," International Social Security Review, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 66(2), pages 1-29, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H55 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Social Security and Public Pensions
    • J11 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Demographic Trends, Macroeconomic Effects, and Forecasts
    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J26 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Retirement; Retirement Policies

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