News from the Network

Nonstandard work shifts (NSS) are a controversial feature of labour markets. To some, they represent degradation of working conditions; to others, the flexib­ility needed to enter the labour market in tough times and reconcile work with home life.

For the first time in history, the average age of the British population has exceeded 40. In the mid-1970s, it was 34. Thanks to our ever-improving longevity and the ageing of younger migrants, it is estimated the 60+ age group will account for 75% of the UK’s population growth by 2040. British people will be living longer in a population that is itself growing older.

Out now: Population Europe's Quarterly Newsletter! Please download it here: Population_Europe_Newsletter_July_2016.pdf

Brexit would affect foreign net contributors to Britain’s welfare state—and their British partners. Read the full op-ed here: https://www.theeuropean-magazine.com/andreas-edel/11073-brexit

Fanny Kluge, researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock/Germany, one of Population Europe's Partners, has estimated how different the effects of an aging society will be on different European countries. One finding of her work is that the countries that have yet to recover from the Great Recession will face massive problems within a few decades.

On 20 June 2016, the European Commission launched the Knowledge Centre for Migration and Demography (KCMD).

Obesity and overweight is largely preventable, yet widespread around the world. They are particularly prevalent in richer countries. Since 1980, the global percentage of overweight adults has increased from around 30 to closer to 40. In Europe, the figure has reached 50.

Our lives are getting longer, yes, but this does not necessarily imply more active years. As life expectancy continues to rise, there is a natural tendency to tack these additional years onto the economically in­active phases of our life course, namely to post-retirement. This can be costly for pub­lic budgets. It’s “natural”, though, because adding them anywhere else would require a conscious change to when we retire. Polit­ically, touching retirement is risky, but this is not necessarily the problem. Many countries have already begun adopt­ing measures to prolong working life.

A long and healthy life, isn’t that what we all wish for? But what are your chances of living to 100? Can you influence this? How do your early years, your family life, where  you live, your lifestyle and your work affect these chances?