Demographic ageing: an opportunity to rethink economy, society and regions

Ageing is often depicted negatively, but we challenge passive views, suggesting that an “active ageing” agenda requires rethinking economy, urban form and societal responses. We present demographic trends in ageing, migration and urbanization across global regions. Building from psychological theories of ageing regarding disengagement and continuity, we argue for an adjustment response at the societal level to address needed structural changes in economy, social policy and regional planning. These adjustments should prioritize well-being and purpose over economic growth; social policy that links household, informal and formal care and new approaches to urban and regional planning that remake cities for all ages. Ageing requires new paradigms. These societal adjustments will permit new approaches that could build a more inclusive world.