Economic Implications of Population Aging

The economics of aging is an increasingly pertinent field of study, drawing attention from economists, policymakers, and social scientists alike. As life expectancies rise and birth rates decline, many countries face significant demographic shifts that reshape their economic landscape. This trend raises important questions about the sustainability of pension systems, healthcare costs, and the demands on age-related social services. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of these factors, yet there remain significant knowledge gaps, particularly in how nations can adapt to maintain economic growth amidst a shrinking workforce and increasing dependency ratios.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the broad economic consequences of an aging population. It seeks to explore the interaction between aging, fiscal policy, and social welfare systems, while also addressing the impact of aging on labor markets, health expenditures, and intergenerational equity. The objective is to clarify how aging populations influence economic stability and growth, and to identify effective strategies for policymakers to mitigate challenges while capitalizing on the potential benefits an aging population might offer.

To gather further insights into the economics of aging, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Discrimination in labor markets: Age discrimination and public health interventions

- Gender differences in labor market outcomes: Impacts on older women

- Economic productivity in aging societies

- Fiscal sustainability of pension and healthcare systems

- Intergenerational equity and resource distribution

- Policy frameworks to support an aging population

- Innovative solutions for age-inclusive economic growth

- Technological advancements and aging populations

- Societal perceptions and stereotypes of aging

Topic Editors Ana Paula Beck da Silva Etges and Carisi Anne Polanczyk are the co-leads of PEV Healthcare Consulting. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: economics, aging, aging population, health economics, population aging

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.