Social And Economic Implications Of Aged And Youth Dependency (SimpleMind)

Question 1

Explain the problem of an increasing aged dependent population in an MEDC and the solution to this problem.

Answer 1

A high proportion of elderly is expensive for a country, as there are extra medical needs and costs to be met.
More doctors might need to be trained in geriatric medicine to provide relevant care.
The economically active population may need to pay more tax in order to fund the extra pensions needed. Pensions will need to be paid for longer periods of time as life expectancy is higher in MEDCs.
As a solution, the UK government is encouraging people to work past 65 so that they can support themselves for longer.

Question 2

Explain the problem of a large youth dependent population in an LEDC.

Answer 2

Countries with a high youth-dependency ratio have to provide a lot in terms of education and medical provision. This means more schools are needed to be built and more qualified doctors need to be trained.
A high youth dependency might mean that more money needs to be taken from the economically active in the form of taxes in order to pay for education and health care.

Question 3

Explain the problem of a large independent/working population in an LEDC.

Answer 3

There might not be enough jobs available for everybody.

This leads to unemployment, underemployment and an informal economy.

Question 4

State three economic implications of aged dependency in MEDCs

Answer 4

1. More residential homes are needed to be built
2. Adults may have to give up careers to care for their elderly relatives
3. Economically active may need to be taxed more to provide the elderly with the services they require, such as pensions.

Question 5

State a social implication of aged dependency in MEDCs

Answer 5

Puts strain on carers to provide meals and help with chores that the elderly are unable to do

Question 6

State two economic implications of youth dependency in LEDCs

Answer 6

1. Puts strain on primary schools. Some have to operate 2 half-day sessions for 2 different groups of pupils
2. Large numbers of infant vaccinations are needed.

Question 7

State social implications of youth dependency in LEDCs

Answer 7

1. There is a lack of teachers to provide an education
2. There is a lack of school buildings and facilities
3. Lack of doctors to care for the entire youth population leads to death from otherwise treatable illnesses