‘The Age of Decay’: A realistic yet hopeful look at our looming future

The topic of population decline, aging markets and the future of economics might not seem like the most exciting focus for a book. With the current state of our world, however, we need to face the music of what our future could look like.

Financial analyst and author Shamil Ismail invites readers on a surprisingly hopeful look at our present and future in light of all the contributing factors. This book is a must-read for every young entrepreneur, businessman or woman and investor.

ISMAIL BALANCES FACTS, STATISTICS AND HUMANITY IN LATEST BOOK

Ismail writes with a passion for research and change that makes this book almost impossible to put down. He breaks down initially overwhelming topics into bite-size chunks which makes this book easy to read and even easier to remember.

Far from drowning in page after page of graphs and stats, readers are carefully guided through complex issues as Ismail explains the state of our world.

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‘AGE OF DECAY’ SYNOPSIS

The Age of Decay is a provocative read that will stimulate debate over the impact of shifting demographics on society. It is an indispensable factor in strategic planning for business leaders, investors, and governments.

Drawing on seemingly isolated instances of essential worker shortages developing around the world, investment analyst Shamil Ismail joins the dots to build a compelling and well-researched narrative explaining why aging and declining birth rates are leading to a shrinking workforce of essential workers that will massively disrupt our societies and economies.

Ismail methodically unpacks the factors driving this escalating crisis, and shows why proposed solutions such as automation, AI, and raising the retirement age will not fix the problem. Ultimately, attitudes to immigration must change, as more and more affected countries will need to “import” workers and consumers to prop up their economies and maintain their standard of living.

When are we likely to see the first major signs of this new reality? How will companies and investment markets be affected? How could the world look in the decades to come? And what will this mean for the future of our children? Sifting through the data, trends and forecasts, Ismail answers these intriguing questions allowing us to prepare for the daunting future that lies ahead.

PRAISE FOR SHAMIL ISMAIL

“Peeling back the layers of life in a rapidly depopulating world, the unique writing style reveals a complexity that catapults you into a future scenario that cannot be ignored”.

Dr Pali Lehohla, Head of Statistics South Africa (2000 to 2017) and Chair of the UN Statistics Commission (2008 to 2009).

“An intriguing analysis of how our lives could be impacted by the changing demographic trends. A must-read for anyone interested in how the future could unfold. Captivating, carefully considered, and well-argued”.

Darrell Bricker, co-author of ‘Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline’.

MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shamil Ismail is an investment analyst and qualified as a chartered accountant and financial analyst. Over the past 30 years he has been involved in various aspects of consumer markets. He founded Primaresearch in South Africa in 2015, a specialist research firm focusing on consumer companies. The global trends in demographics and how this will impact consumer markets are of particular interest to him, culminating in this book.

The Age of Decay is published by Quickfox Publishing and is available for purchase from Exclusive Books stores for R360.