Economist Podcasts Not born yesterday: the world’s ageing population
31 snips
Jun 7, 2023 
Henry Tricks, a population economics expert, discusses the troubling implications of a shrinking global workforce due to low fertility rates. Tom Wainwright, technology editor at The Economist, analyzes Apple’s innovative Vision Pro headset while expressing skepticism about its practical applications. Meanwhile, Catherine Nixey, Britain correspondent, highlights the evolving fortunes of British seaside towns, celebrating their historical charm amidst modern gentrification. The dialogue navigates the intersections of technology, demographics, and local culture.
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Declining Global Birth Rates
- Global birth rates are falling below the replacement rate of 2.1, leading to a potential decline in overall population.
- This trend is observed across major economies and even in regions with historically high fertility rates like Africa.
Economic Impact of Aging Population
- A shrinking, aging population poses economic challenges, including slower growth and difficulties supporting pensioners.
- This impacts both public and private pension systems, as retirees rely on the output of the working-age population.
Impact of Aging on Workforce
- Aging populations lead to a relative shortage of "fluid intelligence" among younger workers, potentially hindering innovation and productivity growth.
- Older voters may be less inclined to support growth-promoting policies, further exacerbating economic stagnation.