Our Graying Globe

Our Graying Globe

It's a startling statistic: By the year 2050 the world will contain more people aged 60 and older than children under 15. Some scholars say a graying globe could produce a more peaceful planet. But an aging population also provokes fears...

It's a startling statistic: By the year 2050 the world will contain more people aged 60 and older than children under 15. Some scholars say a graying globe could produce a more peaceful planet. But an aging population also provokes fears of skyrocketing medical expenditures, social security deficits and untold human and financial costs. We explore the ramifications of an aging planet, and the surprising innovations it could bring.

Guests

Michael Gusmano

Research Scholar at the Hastings Center in New York; Co-director of the World Cities Project at the International Longevity Center-USA

Phillip Longman

Senior Research Fellow, The New America Foundation; author of "The Empty Cradle: How Falling Birthrates Threaten World Prosperity and What to do About It."

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The Kojo Nnamdi Show is produced by member-supported WAMU 88.5 in Washington DC.