Most countries around the world have experienced population explosions, or are about to. Combine this with declining birth rates and falling mortality rates, and it’s clear that the global senior population will continue to reach new heights.

Pablo Alvarez – Charted: The World’s Aging Population from 1950 to 2100

That quote from a recent article underscores a series of demographic shifts that play a major role in shaping the future. While science and technology rightfully receive a lot of attention, these societal shifts are just as impactful. That message is resonating, as my recent post on population growth is now my most read post since I started blogging thirteen years ago.

The article states that dropping fertility rates, in addition to improved child and infant mortality rates, are known to have played a major role in the plateauing population of children. However, countries such as India, Brazil, and South Africa have not plateaued, as it usually coincides with higher levels of economic development. This is likely to change as per capita income rises, eventually driving similar demographic fates and challenges.