#Population

Americans’ ideal family size remains above two children even as the United States experiences a historical lull in births, with fertility dipping to about 1.6 births per woman. A recent Gallup reading shows the average ideal number of children sitting at 2.7, a gap that has persisted for years between what people say they want and what actually happens at the checkout counter of life—having children. This divergence matters because it signals deepening economic and social headwinds that keep people from translating preference into practice, a pattern that resonates far beyond American borders and into the demographic debates shaping Thailand today.

The United Nations has sounded the alarm on an “unprecedented” worldwide decline in fertility rates, with profound consequences already shaping the future of nations like Thailand. The latest United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report signals a tipping point: hundreds of millions of people worldwide are having fewer children than they would like, often citing rising financial pressures and shifting social dynamics as key barriers. For Thailand—a country at the heart of regional demographic shifts—the findings carry urgent weight, offering both fresh validation of local experiences and serving as a catalyst for renewed policy action.

A new UNFPA briefing warns of an unprecedented global drop in fertility rates, with immediate implications for Thailand’s economy, workforce, and social systems. The report notes that hundreds of millions of people are having fewer children than they want, driven largely by economic pressures and evolving social norms. For Thailand, the findings validate local experiences and call for urgent, cross-sector policy action.

The UNFPA cross-country survey polled 14,000 people across 14 countries, including Thailand. It found that almost one in five respondents either have not had the number of children they desire or do not expect to. The main barriers are financial rather than health or biology. About 39% cited prohibitive costs, with responses ranging from 58% in South Korea to 19% in Sweden. A frontline worker in Mumbai was highlighted in coverage by major outlets, illustrating how costs such as schooling, transport, and healthcare can deter family growth even in urban settings.

Fears of humanity’s extinction may sound far-fetched, but scientists are warning that global birth rates are falling so fast, some populations could eventually disappear unless women have more children. According to recent research synthesized by experts and highlighted in a much-discussed feature on population trends, the world could see dozens of countries’ populations shrinking by 2100 due to persistently low fertility rates—a phenomenon with profound implications for economies, societies, and the future of human civilization itself (Daily Mail).

A shrinking population is no longer a distant possibility—it is unfolding in real time. Global fertility rates have fallen to levels that could see dozens of countries experience population declines by 2100. This trend carries wide-ranging implications for economies, social systems, and daily life in Thailand and beyond.

Thailand already confronts one of Asia’s fastest-ageing populations. Officials warn that without a rise in the national fertility rate, fewer young people may be available to support an increasing elderly population, straining healthcare, pensions, and the labor market. The global replacement level—about 2.1 children per woman to keep population stable—has already fallen below 2.0 in many developed countries, including Thailand.

A long-term study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health links specific dietary patterns to holistic healthy aging. Published in Nature Medicine, the research followed more than 100,000 people over 14 years, showing that balanced diets support longevity and overall well-being beyond physical health, including cognition and mental health. The findings carry particular relevance for Thailand as it faces a rapidly aging society.

The study analyzed middle-aged participants with various self-reported diets, including reduced processed foods and a balance of animal and plant-based nutrition. Those consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats from nuts and legumes tended to experience better health outcomes after age 70. Co-author Marta Guasch-Ferre, adjunct associate professor at Harvard, notes that healthy aging involves meeting cognitive, physical, and mental benchmarks while remaining free of chronic disease.