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The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny – How Longevity and Aging Societies Will Reshape Work, Business, and Government
A demographic futurist explains the coming Super Age—when there will be more people older than sixty-five than those under the age of eighteen—and explores what it could mean for our collective future. Societies all over the world are getting older, the result of the fact that we are living longer and having fewer children. At some point in the near future, much of the developed world will have at least twenty percent of their national populations over the age of sixty-five. Bradley Schurman calls this the Super Age. Today, Italy, Japan, and Germany have already reached the Super Age, and another ten countries will have gone over the tipping point in 2021. Thirty-five countries will be part of this club by the end of the decade. This seismic shift in the world population can portend a period of tremendous growth—or leave swaths of us behind. Schurman explains how changing demographics will affect government and business and touch all of our lives. Fewer people working and paying income taxes, due to outdated employment and retirement practices, could mean less money feeding popular programs such as Social Security and Medicare—with greater numbers relying on them. The forced retirement or redundancy of older workers could impact business by creating a shortage of workers, which would likely drive wages up and result in inflation. Corporations, too, must rethink marketing strategies—older consumers are already purchasing the majority of new cars, and they are a growing and vitally important market for health technologies and housing. Architects and designers must re-create homes and communities that are more inclusive of people of all ages and abilities. If we aren’t prepared for the changes to come, Schurman warns, we face economic stagnation, increased isolation of at-risk populations, and accelerated decline of rural communities. Instead, we can plan now to harness the benefits of the Super Age: extended and healthier lives, more generational cooperation at work and home, and new markets and products to explore. The choice is ours to make.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published January 18, 2022
27 people are currently reading
1400 people want to read
About the author
Bradley Schurman
2 books5 followers“We will have to fundamentally rethink the way our society is ordered, as well as challenge ourselves to adjust our individual lives and adapt the organizations we serve to the new realities of the Super Age.”
Bradley Schurman is a demographic futurist and opinion maker on all things dealing with the business of longevity, including the groundbreaking AARP Aging Readiness and Competitiveness Report.
Bradley is a sought-after speaker all over the world who is based in Washington, D.C. He is a social connector who has built his reputation by helping leading organizations harness the opportunities of our increasingly older world.
For more than twenty years, he has traveled around the world observing, reporting, and advocating for a better understanding and embrace of the Super Age.
He has worked closely with national governments, as well as major multinational organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the World Economic Forum to develop better policies for our increasingly older world.
His advocacy and expertise around extending working lives has touched employers as big as ThyssenKrupp, and his research into harnessing the opportunities presented by the Super Age has moved major companies such as IBM to rethink their approach to product and service delivery, as well as the demographics they serve.
Bradley Schurman is a demographic futurist and opinion maker on all things dealing with the business of longevity, including the groundbreaking AARP Aging Readiness and Competitiveness Report.
Bradley is a sought-after speaker all over the world who is based in Washington, D.C. He is a social connector who has built his reputation by helping leading organizations harness the opportunities of our increasingly older world.
For more than twenty years, he has traveled around the world observing, reporting, and advocating for a better understanding and embrace of the Super Age.
He has worked closely with national governments, as well as major multinational organizations, including the Asian Development Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, and the World Economic Forum to develop better policies for our increasingly older world.
His advocacy and expertise around extending working lives has touched employers as big as ThyssenKrupp, and his research into harnessing the opportunities presented by the Super Age has moved major companies such as IBM to rethink their approach to product and service delivery, as well as the demographics they serve.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 25, 2022
I'm beyond excited that release day has come at last!
I've spent years of my life immersed in The Super Age and I hope that you will get as much out of it as I have. So, what's it about? It's about all of us and the world we live in and how it is quickly becoming older and more diverse than we've ever seen in the entire history of humanity.
The Super Age is a data rich narrative that compels readers to consider the role demographics play in our daily lives. I highlight the challenges and opportunities presented by decreased birth rates and longer life spans, which are happening world wide. I offer some actionable and realistic steps that individuals and businesses can take to get the most out of this new era: when there will be more older people than younger people for the first time ever.
Are you ready?
I've spent years of my life immersed in The Super Age and I hope that you will get as much out of it as I have. So, what's it about? It's about all of us and the world we live in and how it is quickly becoming older and more diverse than we've ever seen in the entire history of humanity.
The Super Age is a data rich narrative that compels readers to consider the role demographics play in our daily lives. I highlight the challenges and opportunities presented by decreased birth rates and longer life spans, which are happening world wide. I offer some actionable and realistic steps that individuals and businesses can take to get the most out of this new era: when there will be more older people than younger people for the first time ever.
Are you ready?
January 20, 2022
Schurman does an excellent job decoding our demographic destiny in three parts. 1) He highlights the history of age and how we developed some of the basic assumptions and ideas about aging. 2) He addresses the dystopian views about aging, ageism, and how it affects us all across the age spectrum. 3) He highlights how this new reality is an opportunity for those demographic futurists who embrace this new - Super Age. Well written. Practical and provocative commentary about how aging affects society, through work, culture, health, technology, and finance.
April 3, 2022
Finally, an optimistic book about the coming Super Age.
All developed countries are aging. The old narrative is that the working young will bear a higher and higher tax burden while the benefits to the old will decrease, and there will be generational strife. But this needs not happen.
When people are going to live way beyond 65, the former retirement age, a rethink of retirement is needed. Many people may not want to retire. The retirement lifestyle of bingo playing in a retirement village is based on commercial by companies providing those homes. Many people may want to continue working, maybe a part time or consulting post, to feel that they are still contributing to society. FedEx is already employing retired former workers during peak seasons. BMW has redesigned its work place to be more friendly to older workers, and all workers welcome the change. After all, we all grow old. By having older people continue working, valuable experience and skill sets are not lost, and total economic output will not contract as much as if retirement at 65 continues.
We need to rethink how we treat ageing. Inclusive public places need to be replace the current one with many steps. Multigenerational homes may be more suitable now that younger people are moving back to their childhood home.
Companies that are targeting their goods and services to older consumers are finding huge profits. After all, people driving continental cars are the older rich.
Immigration will be inevitable if we are to mitigate the effect of society ageing.
We want the healthy years to increase, and Silicon Valley is investigating whether metformin can prolong healthy life.
One of the best books on the ageing society!
All developed countries are aging. The old narrative is that the working young will bear a higher and higher tax burden while the benefits to the old will decrease, and there will be generational strife. But this needs not happen.
When people are going to live way beyond 65, the former retirement age, a rethink of retirement is needed. Many people may not want to retire. The retirement lifestyle of bingo playing in a retirement village is based on commercial by companies providing those homes. Many people may want to continue working, maybe a part time or consulting post, to feel that they are still contributing to society. FedEx is already employing retired former workers during peak seasons. BMW has redesigned its work place to be more friendly to older workers, and all workers welcome the change. After all, we all grow old. By having older people continue working, valuable experience and skill sets are not lost, and total economic output will not contract as much as if retirement at 65 continues.
We need to rethink how we treat ageing. Inclusive public places need to be replace the current one with many steps. Multigenerational homes may be more suitable now that younger people are moving back to their childhood home.
Companies that are targeting their goods and services to older consumers are finding huge profits. After all, people driving continental cars are the older rich.
Immigration will be inevitable if we are to mitigate the effect of society ageing.
We want the healthy years to increase, and Silicon Valley is investigating whether metformin can prolong healthy life.
One of the best books on the ageing society!
December 30, 2022
How the looming demographic reality of longer lifespan and lower births will affect society.
Mostly a collection of disparate observations and studies, ageism in workplaces, emptying out of rural communities, anti aging research, how the economy must shift etc. a bit too disparate and disjointed imo.
Some interesting tidbits, 2/3 of all new cars are sold to those 50+, and the average age of Apple Watch user is 42, since 2012, average age of ceos of large companies has gone up from 42 to 50.
Mostly a collection of disparate observations and studies, ageism in workplaces, emptying out of rural communities, anti aging research, how the economy must shift etc. a bit too disparate and disjointed imo.
Some interesting tidbits, 2/3 of all new cars are sold to those 50+, and the average age of Apple Watch user is 42, since 2012, average age of ceos of large companies has gone up from 42 to 50.
January 31, 2023
I'll be honest. I got this book about a year ago but took a break from it because the information was really jaw dropping and thought provoking, so much so that I wanted to clear my head about it.
That isn't a criticism though. In fact, the whole book is full of profound information on how the populations of countries across the planet are aging rapidly and what the policy implications are now and will be in the near future.
The Super Age isn't just an interesting book. It's a must read for people in elected office at any position and others involved in advocacy, but its importance goes beyond that to developers, employers, advertisers, and more.
It's easy to think that the aging of humanity is scary, but it is a very positive and hopeful sign. We should all want to not just live longer, but live longer and healthier lives. Thankfully, Bradley Schurman gives many examples of how people can live with dignity and safety and continue to be productive members of society. People can live longer and connect with their communities instead of dealing with social isolation.
While the book's main thesis is on the impact of aging, the solutions don't belong in some age specific silo. Creating a world that is more inclusive of older people means that homes are safer for all, businesses can thrive, and we can prevent discrimination of people whoa re today seen as "too old" or "too young."
This is a very optimistic book that made me pause many times just due to how profound the information was and the implications for every part of our society. I've already shared details with policy makers and would encourage anyone interested in the future to take time to read The Super Age.
That isn't a criticism though. In fact, the whole book is full of profound information on how the populations of countries across the planet are aging rapidly and what the policy implications are now and will be in the near future.
The Super Age isn't just an interesting book. It's a must read for people in elected office at any position and others involved in advocacy, but its importance goes beyond that to developers, employers, advertisers, and more.
It's easy to think that the aging of humanity is scary, but it is a very positive and hopeful sign. We should all want to not just live longer, but live longer and healthier lives. Thankfully, Bradley Schurman gives many examples of how people can live with dignity and safety and continue to be productive members of society. People can live longer and connect with their communities instead of dealing with social isolation.
While the book's main thesis is on the impact of aging, the solutions don't belong in some age specific silo. Creating a world that is more inclusive of older people means that homes are safer for all, businesses can thrive, and we can prevent discrimination of people whoa re today seen as "too old" or "too young."
This is a very optimistic book that made me pause many times just due to how profound the information was and the implications for every part of our society. I've already shared details with policy makers and would encourage anyone interested in the future to take time to read The Super Age.
April 29, 2022
It's quite the enjoyable read. There are so many valid points about the aging population in this book. Heck, in the fact, I'm getting to be middle-aged so some of these things are going to be valid for me in the coming decades as they probably will be for a lot of you who are reading this review right now.
The thing is, our expectations and perceptions of older people need to change as we are living longer. I think one of the biggest point that I agree with from this book is the fact that age should not be the determining factor when it comes to work. For example, I personally plan on working until I no longer can physically or mentally do so and a lot of older people out there right now probably feel the same way. There could be a 75 year old or 80 year old out there that still wants to work and is still mentally and physically able to do so.
There are so many other factors in this book that are covered and are absolutely valid for people to be aware of. If we are not creating a society where older people are taken care of as well as respected then we are all dooming ourselves to the same fate. So next time you look at an old person and you pity them think about yourself, soon you will be that way as well and people will look at you like that.
The thing is, our expectations and perceptions of older people need to change as we are living longer. I think one of the biggest point that I agree with from this book is the fact that age should not be the determining factor when it comes to work. For example, I personally plan on working until I no longer can physically or mentally do so and a lot of older people out there right now probably feel the same way. There could be a 75 year old or 80 year old out there that still wants to work and is still mentally and physically able to do so.
There are so many other factors in this book that are covered and are absolutely valid for people to be aware of. If we are not creating a society where older people are taken care of as well as respected then we are all dooming ourselves to the same fate. So next time you look at an old person and you pity them think about yourself, soon you will be that way as well and people will look at you like that.
September 24, 2022
A Realistic Look at Future
This book resonated strongly with me. I am a 62 year old African American woman who just retired from a warehouse that ships generic drugs to rural pharmacies and nursing homes in the US and Canada. The young people who worked there barely came to work so,the operation ran on the most reliable employers over age 40. They did not want me to quit. I left because I'm caretaker to my 89 year old mom and a family friend with Alzheimers. My mom is a retired schoolteacher who worked full-time till age 62 and then continued to work part-time as a substitute teacher and reading mentor for another 6 years. Mr. Shurman paints an extremely accurate picture of what the next 20-30 years will look like. With looming labor shortages young and old will have to work together to keep things on a balanced keel. Outstanding work! A necessary read for public policy influencers.
This book resonated strongly with me. I am a 62 year old African American woman who just retired from a warehouse that ships generic drugs to rural pharmacies and nursing homes in the US and Canada. The young people who worked there barely came to work so,the operation ran on the most reliable employers over age 40. They did not want me to quit. I left because I'm caretaker to my 89 year old mom and a family friend with Alzheimers. My mom is a retired schoolteacher who worked full-time till age 62 and then continued to work part-time as a substitute teacher and reading mentor for another 6 years. Mr. Shurman paints an extremely accurate picture of what the next 20-30 years will look like. With looming labor shortages young and old will have to work together to keep things on a balanced keel. Outstanding work! A necessary read for public policy influencers.
Read
February 24, 2022Do you ever think about what our world will look like in twenty years?
The demographic shifts we've watched over the decades will reach a tipping point in the 2040s. Due to health rapidly improving around the world and falling fertility rates, there will be more old people than children for the first time. These changing demographics will put a new level of stress on the nation's business, Social Security, and health care systems. We will need to adapt education, health-care, and social protection systems to provide a public safety net for this growing age group. In THE SUPER AGE, a demographic futurist explains the sweeping changes the world will confront in the coming years, how our daily lives will be affected, and ways we can prepare ourselves. Schurman’s writing style is accessible, informative, and optimistic as he shares his predictions and hopes for our collective future.
The demographic shifts we've watched over the decades will reach a tipping point in the 2040s. Due to health rapidly improving around the world and falling fertility rates, there will be more old people than children for the first time. These changing demographics will put a new level of stress on the nation's business, Social Security, and health care systems. We will need to adapt education, health-care, and social protection systems to provide a public safety net for this growing age group. In THE SUPER AGE, a demographic futurist explains the sweeping changes the world will confront in the coming years, how our daily lives will be affected, and ways we can prepare ourselves. Schurman’s writing style is accessible, informative, and optimistic as he shares his predictions and hopes for our collective future.
January 28, 2025
"The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny" by Bradley Schurman is a thought-provoking book that explores the significant impact of demographic changes on our collective future.
As a demographic futurist, Schurman delves into the concept of the "Super Age," where the number of people over 65 surpasses those under 18, and its far-reaching consequences on governments, businesses, and individuals.
Schurman argues that this seismic shift in population demographics can either lead to tremendous growth or leave many behind. He emphasizes the need for policymakers, business leaders, and individuals to adapt and prepare for this new reality.
A very interesting book for researchers and policymakers.
As a demographic futurist, Schurman delves into the concept of the "Super Age," where the number of people over 65 surpasses those under 18, and its far-reaching consequences on governments, businesses, and individuals.
Schurman argues that this seismic shift in population demographics can either lead to tremendous growth or leave many behind. He emphasizes the need for policymakers, business leaders, and individuals to adapt and prepare for this new reality.
A very interesting book for researchers and policymakers.
May 22, 2022
The world population is living longer and having fewer children. We must adapt to the new demographic of our world population.
The author frames this demographic shift in both challenges and opportunities. There are some interesting statistics, demographics, and ideas included. I find his technology ideas are golden as is his compassion and upbeat notions.
The author is overly focused on identity labels, has a different definition of equity from many, and some of his proposals are detailed enough to be evaluated.
Overall, the book is thought-provoking, optimistic, and brings up issues that need to be dealt with as we adapt to the new demographics.
The author frames this demographic shift in both challenges and opportunities. There are some interesting statistics, demographics, and ideas included. I find his technology ideas are golden as is his compassion and upbeat notions.
The author is overly focused on identity labels, has a different definition of equity from many, and some of his proposals are detailed enough to be evaluated.
Overall, the book is thought-provoking, optimistic, and brings up issues that need to be dealt with as we adapt to the new demographics.
February 8, 2022
Well researched book and theory about the trajectory of population aging. In 1968, the book “The Population Bomb” warned of overpopulation. Other books over the years have addressed the issue of the coming population shrink (from an alarmist’s standpoint). This book gives the numbers and the reality of countries that prosper see their older population grown while the younger population per capita doesn’t grow as fast, leading to decline. But, it celebrates that growing aging population, which we may all be lucky enough to be a part of one shiny day.
November 29, 2022
Schuman does an excellent job of using data to define the history of aging cultures. He also discusses how the growing number of adults over the age of 65 is disrupting the social, cultural, political, and economic norms. He uses all that information to explain the tremendous opportunities that exist to take advantage of what this group of people has to offer.
Throughly enjoyed reading this book as one of the adults close to that age group.
Throughly enjoyed reading this book as one of the adults close to that age group.
February 3, 2025
The Super Age raises some interesting points about the impact of an aging population—not just living longer but staying active and engaged. It’s a thought-provoking read. Worth checking out if you’re curious about how demographics are shaping the future.
August 19, 2025
Looking to beef up your nonfiction library? I recommend The Super Age. It’ll make you think, it made me reach for a highlighter :-). Chocked full of data and insight, I’m more aware of where I’ve been and where I’m headed. Enjoy! It’s good if your head hurts from reading, you’re learning!!!
April 23, 2022
Good but a bit too long…
April 24, 2022
Meh? There were some interesting statistics and demographics but I'm not convinced the future is working into our 70's and 80's.
October 19, 2023
Excellent analysis of the consequences and opportunities of our aging demographics.
January 18, 2022
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of the book
How often do you really think about the world you live in? I mean big picture? Overall? There's so much rhetoric and divisiveness that we think history is an elusive, changing thing. And it is, to an extent. But that's not the whole story. There is also a fixed, charted, data-supported record of world populations going back thousands of years growing more robust as the decades roll past. And this record allows for a clear-sighted view of the history of birth and death over time, but to also allow for the inescapable conclusion that not only is the world population aging in an unprecedented fashion, but that this demographic change is going to necessitate major changes in the way that society functions in the coming years.
Sounds like a lot, right? Well, it is. It's the fate of the entire world. BUT, while Schurman's thesis is epic, his writing style is conversational and relatable. He makes it make sense. He draws information together in a way you hadn't considered before and he infuses the narrative with a lot of hope for the future.
Once you finished The Super Age, you'll start to consider a lot of the people and systems around you in a different way. You'll start to feel like you understand something most don't realize and you'll have a lot of interesting conversation starters to share at dinner parties (if we ever get to have dinner parties again).
How often do you really think about the world you live in? I mean big picture? Overall? There's so much rhetoric and divisiveness that we think history is an elusive, changing thing. And it is, to an extent. But that's not the whole story. There is also a fixed, charted, data-supported record of world populations going back thousands of years growing more robust as the decades roll past. And this record allows for a clear-sighted view of the history of birth and death over time, but to also allow for the inescapable conclusion that not only is the world population aging in an unprecedented fashion, but that this demographic change is going to necessitate major changes in the way that society functions in the coming years.
Sounds like a lot, right? Well, it is. It's the fate of the entire world. BUT, while Schurman's thesis is epic, his writing style is conversational and relatable. He makes it make sense. He draws information together in a way you hadn't considered before and he infuses the narrative with a lot of hope for the future.
Once you finished The Super Age, you'll start to consider a lot of the people and systems around you in a different way. You'll start to feel like you understand something most don't realize and you'll have a lot of interesting conversation starters to share at dinner parties (if we ever get to have dinner parties again).
November 9, 2023
Holt-Delhi library Nonfiction Book Discussion group title July 2023.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews