The Ageing Population

The Ageing ratio is the proportion of people over the age of 65 compated to the total population. Ageing populations mean a rise in the median age of the population usually associated with an increase in the proportion of old dependents.

Causes of ageing populations:

• Good medical care.
• Good diet and improved water supply
• Good sanitation an hygiene

Low birth rates caused by:

• Emancipation of women (get more rights)
• Cost of children
• Emigration of  economically active.

Negative Impacts:

• Shortage of economically active and economic depression.
• Reduced taxation.
• Cost of providing healthcare and care homes
• Reduced spending on education, policing, transport, etc.
• Cost of paying for pensions
• Service decline

Solutions:

• Pro-natalist policies
• Increased immigration
• Increased retirement age
• Private pensions
• Private healthcare
• Increased taxes

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