Our demographic destiny is not a matter of being overrun or superseded by more demographically vigorous peoples. It will be a matter of adapting to and trying to overcome the economic, social and political consequences of ageing, which is itself a consequence of success. Given the past record of Western ideas in overcoming previous challenges, it would be unwise to bet against the West adapting to ageing too – especially since, as this chapter’s analysis will show, ageing is a phenomenon that is shared with much of the world, most notably the West’s biggest current rival, China. The proper bet
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