Grey Matters

This book provides a new and hopeful view of ageing—showing how it can drive innovation, not just create challenges. It looks at how we can create fairer, more inclusive systems for older people, informal workers, and ageing migrants in a fast-changing world. As populations age, many countries are facing smaller workforces, rising care needs, and growing inequality—especially in informal and low-paid work. Grey matters explore these big issues by bringing together ideas from economics, labour policy, human development, and innovation. The book takes a closer look at informal work, unpaid care, migration, digital access, and workers’ rights—topics that are often left out of mainstream ageing discussions. Rather than seeing older people as a burden, this book shows how they can contribute to innovation—as workers, entrepreneurs, carers, and mentors. It includes real examples from different countries, especially in Southeast Asia and the Global South, along with tools and ideas for designing better systems. These include creating more age-friendly workplaces, improving digital skills, and supporting older people in informal jobs. What makes this book different is its focus on both inclusion and innovation. It connects research with practice, offering clear insights and ideas that can be used by governments, NGOs, researchers, and business leaders. The book also shows how communities and older people themselves can lead change—not just be helped by it. This book is ideal for readers interested in ageing, social policy, innovation, international development, and the future of work. It is especially useful for policy-makers, researchers, and professionals looking for practical ways to support ageing populations while building stronger and fairer societies.