An Aging World Relies on Migrant Care Workers

Abstract

Around the world, societies are aging. Most governments have not prepared well for this demographic change, which requires a recalibration of existing social support programs like state pension and health care systems. Piecemeal state solutions have generated a reliance on migrant workers in elder care. This has worsened global inequalities in health care, subjected migrants to poor working conditions and exploitation, and revived racialized forms of domestic service for wealthy households in high-income countries. Finding fairer and more sustainable solutions to the demographic transition calls for innovative thinking and creative adaptation.