The Aging of Populations and Societies

Abstract

Modernization of societies is accompanied by a demographic transition which results in the aging of popula tions. Yet, modernization also results in a lowered status for older people. The salient aspects of modernization which pro duce this effect are held to be: (1) the application of modern technology in the fields of health and economics, (2) urbaniza tion and (3) education. Each of these factors sets in motion a chain reaction which tends to undermine the status of the aged. However, there are some signs that this trend is being reversed in the most modernized societies.