ABSTRACT
However we choose to define old age, the changes that can be expected in age structures and growth rates in these countries are bound to occasion some difficulties. But in so far as they are the direct result of older age structures and declines in growth rates (or of declining numbers themselves), these difficulties may be less serious and less intractable than is commonly envisaged. For one thing, the demographic changes out of which they emanate will not occur suddenly. For another, there may be less ‘deterioration’ in the demographic situation itself than is commonly expected. There are two demographic processes to be considered: fertility and mortality. The role of migration will be dealt with later.
