A lesson for Asia? Maintaining socio-economic security in old age: a European perspective

Western Europe has the world’s oldest population and most prominent trend of demographic ageing over the next 20 years. Japan is second, which suggests potential for comparisons with Asia and lessons from evaluating European advanced ageing policy. To what extent have Europe’s welfare systems achieved socio-economic security in old age? Is its approach to sustainability viable? Are there alternatives? What can Asia learn from the European experience?