Global ageing

Populations are growing older in nearly all countries globally. Demographic ageing is a consequence of the combined influences of increased longevity, decreasing mortality, migration and, sometimes, sharply declining fertility. The pace of demographic ageing often reflects, to some extent, trends in socio-economic development plus social conditions, especially education and aspirations in different areas, countries and regions. Most populations have been ageing demographically for over a century, especially in the more developed countries, whilst the process of population ageing began relatively more recently in most less developed countries (Kinsella and Phillips, 2005). Today, as the World Report on Ageing and Health notes, “for the first time in history, most people can expect to live into their 60s and beyond” (World Health Organization (WHO), 2015:3). This chapter focuses on four aspects of global ageing of importance to geographical gerontology. First, it outlines the patterns and diversity of global ageing. Second, it covers impacts on older people in emergency situations across the world. Third, it lays out global climate change issues and health of older people. Fourth, the chapter discusses effects of selected contemporary socio-technological trends, such as increased mobility and interconnectedness for older people