The ECPD is pleased to announce the publication of the new discussion paper “Demografischen Wandel und Altern gestalten – Interdisziplinäre Impulse für einen ressortübergreifenden Ansatz”, coauthored by our director Michaela Kreyenfeld. This paper, published by the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, addresses one of the most pressing societal challenges in Germany: demographic aging.
Key Insights from the Paper
The discussion paper highlights the profound implications of an aging population on various societal structures, including healthcare, family dynamics, and labor markets. One critical aspect is the increasing diversity of family forms and the resulting challenges in organizing care for the elderly. Prof. Kreyenfeld underscores that demographic aging does not occur in isolation but is deeply intertwined with changing family structures. As she explains:
“We are not only living longer, but family life has become more diverse. This raises crucial questions about how care responsibilities will be managed in different family settings, especially when individuals are divorced or separated.”
The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach
The paper is the result of a truly interdisciplinary collaboration between experts from demography, sociology, behavioral biology, neuroscience, and psychology. Addressing demographic aging requires insights from multiple fields, as biological, psychological, and social factors are deeply interconnected. Prof. Kreyenfeld reflects on the collaborative process:
“This paper demonstrates how essential it is to bring together perspectives from various disciplines to tackle the complexities of an aging society. Only through interdisciplinary cooperation can we develop holistic and effective policy recommendations.”
Read the Full Paper: The discussion paper is available online at www.leopoldina.org/demografischer-wandel.