The Age of Aging

A unique, accessible and enlightening analysis of the massive effects of the global demographic rollercoaster and what it will mean for the world economy, ageing societies, baby-boomers and their families and jobs, investments and business, and the economic power map of the world. The extension of human life expectancy is a great blessing. But, together with declining fertility rates, it creates no less big challenges. In this wide-ranging and well-informed book, George Magnus analyzes what needs to be done to lift the burdens created by aging populations. – Martin Wolf, Chief Economics Commentator, Financial Times It is a commonplace that, as the population of the developed world ages, there will be all kinds of profound changes in the way the world works. No one to date, however, has sat down and tried to think harder about the ramifications of increased life expectancy and smaller family size than George Magnus. Bringing to the subject decades of work as one of the City’s best respected economists, Magnus shows himself here to be more than just a shrewd analyst of social and economic trends. He writes with clarity and panache, and leaves the reader feeling almost sorry for the “Boomerangst” generation that is fated to support the prolonged retirements of the Boomers themselves. –Niall Ferguson, Laurence A. Tisch Professor of History, Harvard University; William Ziegler Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School Demography is boring to most people, except when it comes to their own expected longevity and retirement plans. Demography is, however, destiny for countries. Literally. George Magnus provides a global tour de force of how we got to where we are and where we will be in the years ahead. And most importantly, what policymakers need to do NOW to prepare. In his hands, George makes this subject not only not boring but both enlightening and entertaining. A must read! –Paul McCulley, Managing Director, Pimco George Magnus is an author with a magnificent, truly globe-spanning mind—and the rare gift of lucidity, which benefits expert and non-expert readers alike. His book, The Age of Aging provides a powerful guide to humanity’s future. –Stephan Richter, Editor-in-Chief, The Globalist.com