Birth rates are declining all around the world. While it is well known that birth rates have fallen in East Asia and Europe, significant declines are also occurring in regions like the Middle East and Latin America. Despite efforts and incentives to encourage higher birth rates, there has been little overall progress. It appears that as living standards improve, people tend to have fewer children. Therefore, we should focus on preparing for a smaller, aging population, as this seems to be the direction humanity is heading.