Female infanticide in China and India etc, no doubt plays a role in encouraging a high proportion of males and reduced average fertility as a result.

Until more humane measures for fertility reduction can be put in place, I hope this practice continues or even expands. No doubt it will - entrenched culture is rarely changed easily.

*in order to finance the legitimate benefits accruing to a rapidly growing older population.*

Not really, Loudmouth. For of course people could work a few more
years, given that they are living for a few more years.
Then we also have the fact that the next generation are about to
inherit more wealth then any generation before them. No need to
leave the million dollar house to the kid, it could be sold for
their benefit.

Gregary/Boylsey/Uncle Tom Cobbley,

I don't think I've ever earned your disfavour as you suppose in your comment that "I will not accept your misrepresentation of my idea as 'culling', murder, eugenics or what ever invalid term you care to apply to it.

"All you are doing is attempting the equivalent of the racist slurr in order to veto any further discussion of the matter."

But now that you bring it up ..........

Yabby,

Of course, as people live longer, most governments are going to edge up the retirement age. It's already seventy in China, I believe.

But even so, if there is any form of population reduction, i.e. of the birth-rate, there will be many more older people relative to population of the younger generations who will eventually have to financially support them, and quite legitimately.

Joe