Can changes in education alter future population ageing in Asia and Europe?

Abstract While population ageing is rising, the educational composition of elderly remains rather heterogeneous. This study assesses differences in future Asia and Europe, how Europe would change if its populations changed. A comparative measure (the Comparative Prospective Old-Age Threshold [CPOAT]) was used, which recalculates old-age thresholds after accounting for life expectancy, likelihood adults surviving to higher ages. Combined data from projected age- sex-specific life-tables (from United Nations) survival ratios by different levels education Wittgenstein Centre Demography Global Human Capital) were used construct (2015–2020, …, 2045–2050) level sex regions Europe. Based on these life-tables, prospective calculated. It found that both among men women, are educated people than less-educated people. has a larger share Asia, Europe’s older better educated. In alternative scenarios hypothetically have education, shares decrease across all but more so Asia. The results highlight effectiveness investing as policy response challenges associated with Such investments effective Asian regions, where infrastructure less developed.