lhemselves can make to development is more widely understood, and the role offorward planning in responding to the needs of future generalions is increasinglyrecognized. This awareness is apparent even among Governments of countries whosepopulation structures are sti1l very young. Given the speed vrith r,fhich theirpopurations nill begin to age in the next few decades, and the enornous rncreasesprojected in numbers of their elderly, this improved understandlng is a vitalprerequisile for effective poltcy-making. 10. Despite this heightened awareness, which is surely a positive indicator ofprogress in chis field, opportunities have in fact remained limited for actualimplenentation of the concrete policies and programoes reconmended in the plan ofAction on Aging. fhe world economic aituation is marked by slor"ring economicgrowtht inflationt growing unemployment, curbs on qovernment spending for socialprogrammes, and in many developing countries, heightened poverty and hunger spurredby economic decline and rapid populaeion grorrth. 11, The realities of the world recession have remained alarming and critical.This applies particularly to the developing countries which built up large externaldebts in international capital markels. whire the economic situation has clearlyaffected all groups of countries. it has particularly affected the weaker and mostvulnerable countries, as welr as the rreakest and (lost vurnerabfe groups within eachcountry. Decision makers world lride are pressured to cut public expenditures, andprospects for expanding or even maintaining sociaf services have deterioraCed. at atime ldhen need for social support has increased drastically. Within this climateof fiscal austerity too many socio-economic issues and problems, particularly incipient problems such as aging, are assigned lowest pEioriEy. 12, Although this may be understandable in the current econonic crisis, Governments shouLd be arrare that the aging process will proceed nore rapidly thanever before in human history, and unl.ess policies and programmes are inplemented inthe foreseeable future, the problens lril.I multipl-y, and the burden will becomeacute for all members of society.
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the impact of aging population on economies and societies, highlighting the need for effective policies and programs to address the issue. It also touches on the economic crisis and its effects on governments' ability to implement policies and support vulnerable groups. Given the focus on population aging, economic development, and policy-making, it seems likely that the text belongs to the categories related to social and economic development.

**Category**
Economic development, Health