ABSTRACT
A rapid demographic change of pace has taken place in most populations over the past century. In Western afuent societies, a major shift occurred in the age prole of the population, with older people representing a progressively growing segment. Currently, the aging group of “baby boomers” exerts a major demographic impact. This is partly driven by the cultural push for both preventing aging and desperately trying to maintain a youthful appearance. The current demographic evolution therefore has deep social implications.
