Issue Pension, health and long term care systems under ageing pressure

Summary

The Megatrends 2040 report identifies the sustainability of public finances, health and retirement systems as a key challenge of demographic imbalance. Citing the OECD, it states that rapid ageing in member countries continues to strain pension systems. OECD studies also conclude that ageing will raise pressure on health services, long-term care and public finances, while an older workforce will restrain economic performance. In OECD countries, the ratio of people aged 65 and over to the working-age population is projected to reach 58% by 2060, and in Greece 79.7%. The report sees science and technology, especially digital applications, as important for keeping older people healthy, autonomous and active.