Aging Societies

Understanding population aging and the dynamics of aging societies as been a consistent research area at HCPDS since 2008. Across the world, the vast majority of countries are experiencing a growth in their older populations for two reasons: an increase in life expectancy in most countries, and a decrease in fertility. These trends have converted the age structure of societies from the traditional pyramid to more of a rectangular shape, with almost equal numbers of men and women in each age group until the very oldest segment. This demographic transition challenges all societies to restructure major institutions to maintain resilience and human well-being.

Our flagship project, Health and Aging in Africa: Longitudinal Studies in South Africa (HAALSA), examines the under-studied demographic and health transitions taking place in rural South Africa…

Now that the successful scale up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has helped to control HIV, this population is living longer and, consequently, experiencing an uptick in the non-communicable diseases that have been prevalent in more developed countries for decades…

Learn more about HAALSA…

Publications and media coverage of research by our affiliates related to Aging Societies

HAALSA researchers have been publishing their findings from the landmark longitudinal study for over a decade, and many of our faculty members, fellows and research staff generate research related to Aging Societies…Learn about their work and publications by scrolling through the list of news posts below.