Population Geography and Ageing in Britain and France Research and Applied Issues

Abstract

This concluding paper reflects upon the proceedings and principal findings of the symposium, and offers a personal assessment of the implications of population ageing during the second half of the twentieth century on France and the United Kingdom. The importance of issues such as the progress of late age mortality improvement and the changing patterns of elderly people's migrations are stressed. A number of applid issues are also discussed, such as the relationship between elderly population numbers, health ratings, and health and social service demands. It is argued that the implications of population ageing are not entirely problematic or burdensome : the richness and diversity of third age lives should also be recognised and promoted.