Ageing society : threat or opportunity?

Abstract

The European Union faces a complex challenge characterised by increasing life expectancy, diminishing fertility rates, and the ensuing phenomenon of demographic aging. This pervasive trend, though varying in intensity among member states, necessitates sustainable policy responses to address its multifaceted socioeconomic repercussions. Key considerations involve adapting welfare state policies to accommodate evolving occupational patterns, productivity levels, and changing social benefit provisions. This panel seeks to explore pivotal topics such as promoting active and healthy aging, sustaining welfare systems amidst youth labor market participation, leveraging migration to address declining birth rates, and navigating the delicate balance between pro-natal policies and women's workforce engagement. Additionally, the panel will delve into the implications of a shrinking working-age population on technology adoption, automation, and the potential role of artificial intelligence in mitigating these challenges. Moreover, it will scrutinize whether immigration offers a more efficient and climate-friendly solution to the strain on social security and pension systems compared to pursuing higher fertility rates.