 Germany is facing a pension crisis because of its ever-ageing population |
BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents, Crossing Europe was broadcast on Thursday, 22 July, 2004 at 1100 BST. The programme was repeated on Monday, 26 July, 2004 at 2030 BST.
The German town of Wittenberge lives in the future. One in three Wittenbergers is over 60. This is the doomsday scenario that the German government fears most.
Within 10 years, a third of the German population is expected to be over 60, and there is not enough money to cope.
Paul Henley taps into the "grey power" of Germany to discover how the country is preparing for the new age.
Across the border in Belgium he meets the pensioners who are defying stereotypes, determined to shape their own future.
Producer: Emma Rippon
Presenter: Paul Henley
Editor: Maria Balinska
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