Here's why East Asia could be in big trouble

 09-Dec-15,  CNBC

If stock market volatility, slowing economies, and low commodity prices were not enough of a problem for East Asia, many countries in the region now have to worry about losing as much as 15 percent of their working-age population by 2040, according to the World Bank.

Image: Zhang Peng / LightRocket / Getty Images

In a report released Wednesday, the World Bank said aging population and low fertility rates are to blame as 36 percent of the world's population over 65 currently live in East Asia. That's 211 million people and it is projected to rise over time.

World Bank said rapid aging is a result of East Asia's breakneck pace of economic development in recent decades. Higher income and better education have led to longer life expectancy and lower fertility rates but also led to displacement of families and changing social values.

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