Aging population Flashcards
What is an aging population?
A population with a large proportion of older people
What stages of the DTM suffer from an aging population?
4 and 5
What is the Dependency ratio?
The ratio between the number of dependent people (those over 65 and under 15) and those who are of working age.
Shape of population pyramid
Very wide top and narrow base. Described as unstable and top heavy
Raising the retirement age
Means fewer people receive pensions and more taxes are paid during their working lives. It is though unpopular. Raised to 68 in the UK.
Use of services
Some services (e.g. healthcare) become stretched and are unable to operate correctly. Spending on these services also goes up.
Child care
Retired grandparents often undertake childcare for their grandchildren, saving their own children huge sums of money. This also encourages people to work so more tax is paid.
Voluntary work
Retired people often carry out voluntary work for schools and charities as they have the time to do so.
New industries
New products and industries have emerged which cater for the elderly. These industries employ many people and generate additional income for the government through tax.
10 million
People in the UK over the age of 65
encouraging Immigration
In order to increase the working population we try and encourage immigration into the UK
