Case Study - Ageing Population, UK

Ageing Population: United Kingdom

Introduction: The United Kingdom had an estimated population of 62,262,000 people in 2010, and covers an area of 243,610km². It is a MEDC and, as it is progressing from stage 4 to 5 in the Demographic Transition Model, is facing the problems of an ageing population. Today for the first time in history the number of over 65s in Britain outnumber the number of under 16s.

Why does Britain have an greying population?:

• During the 20^th century the life expectancy for an average Brit has increased by 30 years, meaning that people are living a lot longer. This is due to the impressive improvements in healthcare.

• Over the last 40 years the fertility rate in Britain has fallen, however the birth rate has now risen over the last decade. It is currently 1.9 children per woman, the highest since 1973, but nothing compared to …