A Point of View

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Factual: Life Stories

BBC Radio 4 LW

A Point of View: Demographic Meltdown

28/04/2023

Demographic Meltdown

BBC Radio 4 - A Point of View, Demographic Meltdown

Sarah Dunant explores how the UK can tackle its demographic timebomb.

Sarah Dunant reflects on shifting demographics and how the UK can solve the conundrum of an ageing population but falling birth rate.

When the world's first state pension was introduced in Prussia in 1889, the qualifying age was 70 and the average life expectancy was 40. Half a century later, in 1935, many countries lowered the retirement age to 65, but still barely half the population lived long enough to claim it.  Now, it's clearly a very different story.    

With the help of PD James, Sarah Dunant looks at how the UK can tackle the demographic nightmare it currently faces - an ageing population but falling birth rates. 

Producer: Adele Armstrong 
Sound: Peter Bosher 
Production coordinator: Helena Warwick-Cross
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

A Point of View

Demographic Meltdown

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4