As birth rates plunge and life expectancy rises, a profound transformation is reshaping the world’s economies, societies and political systems. In The Age of Decay, investment analyst Shamil Ismail draws on meticulous research to explore how ageing and shrinking populations will trigger labour shortages in critical sectors, drive urban decline and disrupt globalsupply chains.
This newly revised second edition offers updated data, sharper forecasts and deeper insights into why technological fixes such as automation and AI will fall short of addressing this unprecedented challenge. From abandoned cities to a shrinking tax base and fractured social systems, Ismail reveals how a dwindling pool of essential workers could mark the end of civilisation as we know it.
The Age of Decay is not only a warning but also a call to rethink migration, reimagine economic models and plan for a future few are prepared to confront.

Connecting seemingly unrelated instances of essential worker shortages around the world, investment analyst Shamil Ismail builds a compelling and well-researched narrative explaining why aging populations and falling birth rates are leading to a shrinking pool of essential workers in developed countries, which could massively disrupt their societies.

Methodically unpacking the factors driving this escalating crisis, he shows why proposed solutions such as automation, AI, and raising the retirement age will not fix the problem. The implications will be widespread, leading to crumbling cities with decaying infrastructure, while economic growth will be stunted by creaking supply chains, declining demand, and a shrinking tax base.

Sifting through the data, trends and forecasts, Ismail answers these intriguing questions, allowing us to prepare for the daunting future that lies ahead.

• When are we likely to see the first major signs of this new reality?
• Which countries will be most impacted, and by when?
• How will companies and investment markets be affected?
• Can this path to decay be avoided and what can we do?

The Age of Decay is a provocative read that will stimulate debate over the impact of the shifting demographics on society. It is an indispensable factor in strategic planning for business leaders, investors and governments. Tautly written with the clever use of occasional fictional narratives, the book distils a wide range of topics into a riveting read.

A must-read for anyone interested in how the future could unfold.