Ageing and economic welfare

"The purpose of the present paper is to seek to elucidate the effects of recent and future population development upon the economic welfare of the Danish population as a whole, but especially of the elderly." It is shown that the proportion of the elderly in the total population has increased from 10 percent in 1900 to 20 percent in 1984 and is likely to increase to 21 percent in 2000 and 30 percent in 2025. The consequent increase in the dependency burden on those of working age is examined. The need for greater economic efficiency, higher fertility, and increased labor force participation by the elderly in order for the country to respond to this challenge is noted. (summary in FRE, ITA)