An Aging World: 2001

Abstract

This document which is the 7th major cross-national report in a US Census Bureau series on the worlds elderly/older populations focuses primarily on people aged 65 years old and over. Organized into 11 chapters it aims to explore the numbers proportions and growth rates of the elderly population as well as summarize socioeconomic statistics for both developed and developing nations. Chapter one covers the introduction. In chapter two the demographics of aging are discussed. Life expectancy and changing mortality is emphasized in the third chapter. Chapter four deals with health and disability while chapter five details urban and rural dimensions. Chapters six and seven tackle sex ratios and marital status and living arrangements respectively. Family and social support of older people is discussed in chapter eight. Chapter nine focuses on educational attainment and literacy. Chapter 10 details on labor force participation and retirement. Finally chapter 11 provides a discussion on pensions and income security.