Population And Resources

Question 1

How do pensions affect the use of resources in a country?

Answer 1

*Resource transfer system
Unsustainable without change, suggestions:
1) pensioners become poorer relative to the rest of society
2) taxes and national insurance contributions devoted to pension increase
3) the rate at which individuals save for retirement increases
4) the average retirement age increases

Question 2

How does an ageing population affect the use of resources in a country?

Answer 2

• Increasing pressure on health resources
• Retired people pay income tax and other taxes
• Compression of morbidity (health costs are compressed into the last years or last months of life)

Question 3

Benefits of an ageing population?

Answer 3

• Tourist industry especially cruising is popular
• Leisure services
• Some companies target this age group for their workforce
• Support services- e.g. home help

Question 4

How do ageing and housing affect the use of resources in a country?

Answer 4

*council estates- maisonettes with security access
*sheltered accommodation-flats/shares
*nursing homes
(Local authorities have been cutting back)

Question 5

What is the population like in many LEDCs?

Answer 5

• broad base pyramid (youthful population)
• pyramid tapers rapidly
• pyramid has a narrow apex
• working population is reduced by migration
• few relatives to act as carers