Youthful and ageing populations

In countries where there is a high birth rate and a decreasing death rate, there is a rapid natural increase

This may lead to:

• a population explosion

• a youthful population

This is most common in LICs where the birth rate is high due to:

• Lack of access to family planning and contraception 

• An increase in women surviving childbirth

• Families continuing to have large numbers of children to look after their parents in old age and to help support the family

• The culture of having larger families, which takes many years to change

• Religious reasons 

Lots of workers which can increase economic growth

The elderly population are supported by large numbers of younger workers

High rates of unemployment if there are not enough jobs for the large numbers of young people

High investment needed in schools and maternity care

High dependency ratio

Increased pressure on services

Social issues such as increased crime

Increased pressure on food and water supplies leading to shortages

Many HICs are experiencing ageing populations and an increase in the older dependent population

• This is often linked to a low birth rate

The causes of an ageing population include:

• decreasing fertility rates

• increased life expectancy

• improved healthcare

• later marriage

• costs of having children

• better diets

Older people may have more disposable income, which boosts the economy

Contributions to wider community as retired people have more time to volunteer

Older people may play a role in caring for grandchildren

Skills and experience of older people may increase productivity

Increased pressure on healthcare as older people more likely to be unwell

Closure of schools due to fewer children

Cost of increasing number of pension payments

Increasing numbers of people dependent on taxes of a decreasing workforce