The Age of Age: Practical and Ethical Considerations and Challenges Confronting an Older Asia

This introductory chapter examines the rapidly accelerating demographic shift towards ageing populations across Asia, foregrounding the social, economic, and cultural implications of this transformation. It argues that ageing is not merely a biological process but a socially constructed phenomenon shaped by policy, infrastructure, cultural values, and media representation. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives, the volume explores how literature, film, and visual media both reflect and shape evolving attitudes towards older adults, intergenerational relationships, and care systems. Particular attention is given to issues such as declining fertility, increased life expectancy, the erosion of traditional familial support, and the rise of dementia as a key concern in super-ageing societies. The chapter positions media as a critical site for interrogating generational power dynamics, ethical dilemmas, and the reimagining of ageing in contemporary Asian contexts, ultimately advocating for more nuanced, inclusive, and proactive approaches to ageing in the region.