Growing old gracefully: How to ease population ageing in Europe

Europe stands on the cusp of a demographic revolution. Rising life expectancy and low fertility are radically transforming Europe’s demographic profile. Ageing populations pose profound political, economic and social challenges for Europe. Many commentators are deeply pessimistic about the consequences of population ageing for the social and economic fabric of Europe. But Alasdair Murray’s essay takes a more optimistic view. He argues that although pro-natal policies or increased immigration cannot be relied on to reverse Europe’s long-term population trends, demography is not destiny.

Alasdair Murray was deputy director of the CER (2000-2005).