Population ageing in Europe

Population ageing—the process leading to increases in the representation of older people in the total population—was a predominant trend in trend in twentieth-century Europe, which will intensify over the course of the current century. This chapter presents information on the past, current, and likely future size and demographic characteristics of Europe’s older populations over the period 1950–2050 and explains the demographic changes driving population ageing. Information on the availability of close relatives (spouses and children) related to these demographic changes is also provided together with consideration of variations across Europe in the living arrangements and family support of older people. Policy implications, and possible policy responses, to these changes are considered in the final sections.