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The tremors have begun. In Agequake, Paul Wallace prophesies the seismic
consequences of increasing longevity and declining fertility. Soon, for the
first time in human history, the old will outnumber the young—the average
age worldwide will exceed 40 by 2040 according to one UN estimate, leaving too
few workers to generate wealth and foot the bill for state pensions and
healthcare. By 2020, the greying developed world will pass the economic crown to
a youthful Third World. If you doubt him, consider the fate of the first country
to have an average age of 40—Japan. Published by Nicholas Brealey,
£18/$25, ISBN 1857881923.