Ageing Population Flashcards
What is ageing population?
The average age of the population is increasing
Causes of ageing population
Low birth rates meaning fewer people are been born in the younger generations than the previous generation
Increased life expectancy due to improved medical treatments housing living standards nutrition and changes in population smoking habits
Problems of ageing population
There is an increasing age dependency ratio
Increased public spending. For example the elderly are unable to work therefore taxes of the working population are given to people who are financially unstable
Loneliness and isolation for older people. This is most likely to increase for those living alone due to the fact that they’re divorced widowed or single
demands on family members to provide informal care
Positive aspects of ageing population
▪️There are older workers. Therefore more people working to benefit the economy
◾️Retired people have time to contribute to voluntary work improving the economy
◾️Older people are consumers. The spending power of older people has increased for example spending money on travel theatre and cinema tickets
◾️Grandparents can be seen as part of the reserve army of labour (Marxists). This means they replace paid workers when there is a shortage of labour to help keep down the cost of wages. They make Financial contribution to families including helping grandchildren get up on the property ladder setting up trust funds for grandchildren and passing on their assets to children and grandchildren when they die
◾️Beanpole families. These are extended families of 3, 4 even 5 generations. They are referred to beanpoles as they have low birthrates meaning only one or two children are born in each generation. Intragenerational ties ( between family members of the same generation) are weak and tend have more intergenerational relationships. Can offer valuable support e.g divorce
