ADB – Asian Development Review, Mar 2024

The report by the ADB Asian Development Review, March 2024 discusses the demographic changes occurring in developing Asia due to rapid aging. It emphasizes the need for countries in the region to strengthen healthcare, social security, and pension schemes for their older populations while also capitalizing on the potential benefits of extended longevity. The review highlights the importance of good health for a longer working life and addresses the lack of corresponding increases in healthy life expectancy among older Asians. The special issue presents the outcomes of regional research on population aging, with experts from seven Asian countries analyzing the health and employment status of older individuals. The paper provides harmonized methodologies for evaluating the health capacity to work among older persons and offers policy implications for policymakers to consider. The review expresses gratitude to the contributing authors from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam for their participation in the research effort.