Shades of grey, the new old and the Owls

New old age: Out of date labour markets and rigid social support safety nets all assume a sudden cliff-edge at age 60 or 65. Yet, reality points to a new stage of life between the end of conventional working age and ‘real’ old age. — AFP

LONGEVITY is mankind’s great accomplishment.

In 1950, just about 5% of the world’s population was aged 60+; last year, this share exceeded 8%; by 2050, it’s expected to double to beyond 16%.