A shared agenda for population ageing

IIASA's Distinguished Emeritus Research Scholar Sergei Scherbov was invited to highlight the concept and perspectives of prospective ageing—an approach that measures ageing based on remaining life expectancy and health rather than chronological age—that he has been advancing at IIASA over the past forty years at this high-level event. 

Co-hosted by the China National Committee on Ageing (CNCA), HelpAge International, and the United Nations Population Fund, this event convenes researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to advance evidence-based responses to ageing societies across Asia and beyond. Under the theme “Integration, Innovation and Sustainability – A Shared Agenda for Population Ageing,” it brings together policymakers, academics, civil society organizations, international organizations, and the private sector to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and advance collective action on population ageing in the region. 

Scherbov's work at IIASA has shaped how ageing is understood and measured, moving beyond chronological age to concepts that incorporate remaining life expectancy, health, and human capital. Much of this pioneering research has been developed in close collaboration with Warren Sanderson, resulting in widely cited publications that have influenced both academic research and international policy debates. 

Today, this body of research continues to play a central role in ongoing work at IIASA, particularly within the Health, Ageing and Health Systems (H2A) and Multidimensional Demographic Modeling (MDM) research groups. It also underpins key activities within the Yidan Prize-funded project at IIASA, where concepts such as prospective ageing and education-stratified population modelling are applied to analyze future demographic and human capital trends, support policy-relevant scenario building, and strengthen the evidence base for sustainable development planning.  

Scherbov’s participation reflects IIASA’s long-standing global research on population dynamics and ageing, and its continued engagement with the most pressing demographic challenges of our time. 

For more information please visit the event website.