The reason for this is improving health care, allowing people to live longer, coupled with a declining birth rate.

CNN: WHERE IT'S GOOD TO BE OLD

Countering this view has been left to Yuko Obuchi, 34-year-old daughter of another prime minister, who is in charge of reversing Japan's declining birth rate.

ECONOMIST: Aso steps up to the plate; but perhaps not to stay very long

However, the main demographic problem facing Europe is a declining birth rate, which is threatening to make it difficult to pay for pensions for future generations.

BBC: Analysis: Who gains from immigration?