Population Case Study - Ageing Population in East Devon Flashcards
What stage of the demographic transition model is the UK currently in?
Stage 4, but it is slowly moving into Stage 5.
What are some of the pull factors of East Devon?
Beautiful countryside.
Warm summers and mild winters.
What are some of the push factors of East Devon?
Lack of well paying jobs.
Increased housing prices.
Lots of elderly residents.
What percentage of the UK’s population are elderly dependants?
16%, but it is increasing over time.
Why does the UK have an increasing ageing population?
Modern technology and improving medical care are increasing the life expectancy, so people live longer and there are more elderly residents.
The birth rate is decreasing because women are marrying later and having less children, which helps aid the increasing percentage of elderly dependents.
What has the increasing ageing population created?
A high dependency ratio; the economically active must work to sustain more dependent citizens (aged 0-15 and 65+).
What has the high dependency ratio forced the government to do?
Increase taxes, so the government can pay for more services for later life.
Increase retirement age, so pensions are paid later in life.
What fraction of residents in East Devon are over the age of 65?
Over 1/3; it also has the second highest concentration of over 50’s in the UK.
What strategies have the British government put in place to deal with the ageing population?
Free NHS checks for people aged 40+.
Provide financial help for grandparents who care for grandchildren.
Review the retirement age.
Provide extra winter fuel payments for the elderly.
Introduce a ‘health prevention package’ to bring together flu vaccinations, cancer checks etc.
Build more homes suited to elderly people’s needs- no stairs, wide doorways etc.
What problems do an ageing population pose?
Areas with high percentages of elderly residents are unattractive to younger residents.
Pensioners have reduced income.
Fewer workers in the economy.
They put a strain on the economically active.
They put a strain on the health service.
They live in spread out communities, so public transport links are vital (as many cannot drive).
They need specific housing.
They often are isolated/live alone.
What benefits do an ageing population pose?
They currently contribute £215 billion to the economy.
Grandparents look after grandchildren so parents can work, saving millions each year.
Old people affect the types of shops and facilities in an area.
They often do voluntary work.
FRANCE QUESTION
What is France’s solution to its ageing population?
They have introduced a pro-natal policy, encouraging people to have more babies to address the dependency ratio.
FRANCE QUESTION
What incentives have the French government proposed for their policy?
Mothers or fathers can have 3 years paid parental leave.
Full time schooling starts at the age of 3, fully paid for by the government.
Day care under 3 is subsidised.
The more children a woman has, the earlier she may retire; 3 children = retirement in early 50’s.
FRANCE QUESTION
What were the results of the policy?
Mothers considered having children and remaining in work.
Fertility rate in France is one of Europe’s highest.
