Stuart Gietel-Basten

Stuart Gietel-Basten views population aging not merely as a demographic shift but as a megatrend affecting every corner of the globe. Deeply committed to understanding the complex interplay between population dynamics and social policy, he studies the pressures aging populations place on social systems, such as healthcare, pensions, and housing, and explores possible innovative and holistic solutions.

He is currently the Professor of Social Science and Public Policy at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). As Director of the university’s Center for Aging Science, he co-creates cutting-edge solutions with strategic community partners to address the real-world challenges of population aging.

Gietel-Basten’s perspective on population aging is refreshingly balanced. While acknowledging the significant challenges it presents, he also sees it as a catalyst for technological and social innovation. Drawing parallels with the urgent responses spurred by climate change, Stuart Gietel-Basten highlights how advancements in AI and gerontech can enhance productivity and improve the quality of life for the elderly. He further argues that economies should not only boost growth but empower older adults as active contributors to society.

Before joining HKUST in 2017, Gietel-Basten was an Associate Professor of Social Policy at the University of Oxford and earned his PhD in historical demography from the University of Cambridge. His work has garnered significant recognition, including numerous research grants and publications in major journals. Stuart Gietel-Basten’s books, Why Demography Matters and The Population Problem in Pacific Asia, along with his editorial contributions, reflect his profound understanding of demographic issues and their broader implications. Gietel-Basten is a regular contributor to the South China Morning Post and China Daily, where he shares his insights on demographic trends and policy implications. His unique perspective, grounded in both historical context and forward-thinking innovation, offers audiences a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of the most pressing issues of our time.