SINCE 1950, THE MEDIAN AGE of the population in the developed world--North America, Japan, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand--has increased from 29 years to 37 years, and it is expected to reach 45 years in 2050 (United Nations 2003). In contrast, themedian age in the developing world--Africa, Asia (excluding Japan and Australia/New Zealand), and Latin America--stands at only 24 years, However, declines in fertility and mortality in these regions will inevitably also result in rapid aging, with themedian age projected to reach 36 years in 2050, The developing world therefore will remain younger than the developed world, but the gap between them is closing, The present study focuses on the developed world.
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