Abstract for: Population Aging Policies: Lessons for System Dynamics Modelling

Population aging is a critical demographic trend reshaping societies, particularly in developing nations like Iran. The rising proportion of older adults, driven by declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy, poses significant challenges for labor markets, pension systems, and healthcare. Understanding these implications is essential for effective policymaking and sustainable economic growth. By evaluating existing models and their limitations, we emphasize the need for more comprehensive approaches that integrate factors influencing fertility and aging. The Integrated Sustainable Development Goals (ISDG) model serves as a focal point for discussing holistic modeling frameworks. Our analysis reveals that current system dynamics models often inadequately represent the complex relationships between population aging and key socio-economic factors. While the ISDG model offers a more integrated perspective, its complexity and limited accessibility hinder its practical application in many developing countries. The findings underscore the necessity for refined modeling approaches to inform policymakers effectively. The findings highlight critical gaps in existing modeling frameworks regarding population aging and its socio-economic implications. Future research should focus on developing adaptable and comprehensive models that consider multiple drivers of fertility and aging. By addressing these limitations, policymakers can better navigate the challenges of an aging population and promote sustainable economic development. We used AI to improve our writing and grammer.