Lessons for the United States from countries adapting to the consequences of aging populations

Issue title: Quality of Life Technology: Intelligent Systems for Better Living

Guest editors: Asim Smailagic

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sciegaj, Mark^{; *} | Behr, Richard A.

Affiliations: Smart Spaces Center for Adaptive Aging in Place, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA | Carnegie Mellon University, Institute for Complex Engineered Systems, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract: The aging of the global population is unrivaled in human history. As a result of this demographic transition, developed and developing nations are facing new challenges regarding provision of health and long-term care, economic security programs, and changing informal support structures for elders. This paper is based on a review of the relevant research and policy literature. The paper reports on trends in nine countries that are responding to the consequences of an aging population and presents major lessons for policy makers in the United States.

Keywords: Demographic transition, social systems, economic security

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-2010-0283

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 22, no. 1-2, pp. 83-88, 2010