The tipping point: what happens when deaths outnumber births?

The social and economic impact of people living longer and having fewer babies is hitting countries worldwide. Adaptation is key In Japan, there are now companies that specialise in cleaning the apartments of elderly people who have died alone and gone undiscovered for weeks or months, while adult incontinence pads have outstripped nappy sales for more than a decade. In Italy, depopulating villages are selling homes for €1 to attract new residents and keep services running. In the UK, falling...

By Linda Geddes