Writing in The Lancet, as part of the series on ageing, researchers say that “many of the necessary responses to population ageing have the potential to benefit people of all ages and might be understood in terms of a more general reorientation of global development toward more efficient, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.”

Specific to ageing, they write that “in view of the rapid and accelerating pace of population ageing, merely tweaking existing institutions and policies is unlikely to be a sufficient response to the challenges posed.

“No historical examples are available to guide decision making; therefore, countries will need to rely on fresh analyses rather than historical examples of policy change.

“Deep and fundamental reforms, the achievement of which will be fraught with political difficulties, are needed.”