Oxford Institute of
Population Ageing
The Challenge
We investigate demographic change and the impacts arising from population ageing across the globe, and make recommendations for how government, business and society can respond.
Over the next fifty years, the old are expected to outnumber the young in nearly every country. This age compositional shift has huge implications for all aspects of society and economy. Falling mortality rates, especially among the older population, has enhanced this age shift, especially in advanced economies.
We are seeing a fundamental shift in the demographic structure of society, which is historically unprecedented, and which will require significant changes to many of our institutions.
The Oxford Institute of Population Ageing links research into ageing, education, fertility, health and environment. We are committed to creating partnerships with government, business and NGOs to shape policy. We also develop summer schools and training opportunities for researchers and professionals.
Research themes
Understanding Demographic Change - addresses how societies will adapt to the tremendous population changes ahead. It looks at the interaction of fertility, mortality and migration.
Demography, Science and Innovation - investigates the relationship between older people, ICT, citizenship and inclusion.
Demography and Economy - supports a wide range of research looking at the implications of demographic ageing for labour markets, retirement practices and pension provision.
Demography and Society - examines intergenerational family roles and relationships.
Biodemography and Health - looks at the policy implications of ageing populations for health and long-term care.
Find out more about the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing
featured publication
Living to 100 years and beyond: Drivers and implications
The twenty-first century promises to be the century of centenarians. The number of centenarians in Europe increased from around 57,000 in 2006 to almost 90,000 in 2011. By 2100 the number is expected to reach around 1.4 million in England and Wales alone.
The trend has fundamental consequences for the way in which individuals view and live these ever-extending lives, but also for the way in which societal infrastructures (education, workplaces, housing, transport, and health and social care) need to be adapted to the needs of extreme-aged populations. More importantly, perhaps, our perception of old age needs a dramatic reappraisal.
Read it nowlatest news
View allHow age-friendly cities are paving the way for the future: the case of Akita City
The convergence of population ageing with urbanisation is one of the major global mega-trends that will shape societies and communities in the 21st century.
Climate change and environmental crisis: twin challenges in an ageing world
The convergence of the climate crisis with human impacts on the environment is serving to exacerbate the global challenges.
Ageing and place: exploring how cities shape older people’s lives
As we grow older our lives are increasingly shaped by where we live, and for growing numbers of older people in both high- and low-income countries, home is in the city.
The Journey to Age Equality
On the 1st October the UN once again celebrated the annual International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) its 2019 theme aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 focussing on pathways of coping with existing and preventing future old age inequality.
Publications
View all
Ruth Itzhaki announced as Alzheimer’s research challenge winner
The Jerusalem Declaration on Ageing 2020
Design Age Institute: the UK’s first national design-for-ageing Institute
New collaboration with the Korean Health Promotion Institute, Seoul
Access to contraception not ‘silver bullet’ to stem population growth in Africa
Demography: A Very Short Introduction
Keep in touch
If you found this page useful, sign up to our monthly digest of the latest news and events
Subscribe