UK Ageing Flashcards
In 2005, what percentage of the population was over 65?
In 2040 it is expected to rise to what?
In 2005, 16% of the population of the UK was over 65.
In 2040 it is expected to rise to 24% of the population. (Avg age is 80, between 60-80, is 25% of population, a block demographic)
Why is life expectancy expected to rise to 24% in 2040?
1) Increased life expectancy
As people live longer, proportion of people over 65 increases.
2) Baby booms
Lots of babies born in 1940’s and 1960’s these large generations are starting to retire, increasing the number of elderly.
3)Falling birth rate
Fewer young people , mean the elderly occupy a larger proportion.
What are the problems of an ageing population?
1) Preressure on the pension system
Today - 60% of population are paying taxes that go towards the pensions of 19% of the population
By 2030 , 56% of the population will be of working age but will have to pay for the pensions of 27% of the population of retirement age.
2) More elderly living in poverty
Pension decreases
3) Pressure on health services
Need more medical care
The average stay in hospital for over 75 was 13 nights, yet for the whole population it was only 8 nights.
4)Increase retirement age
What is the age at which once you pass, you are said to be ageing?
65
What at the different strategies use to manage ageing populations?
1) increase retirement age
Pensions act of 2005 - By 2050, retirement age will be increase to 68 for everyone.
2) encouraging immigration of working age people.
Unlimited immigration of people from countries who joined the EU in 2004. In 2004, 80% of immigrants that came to the UK from new EU countries were 34 or under. increased size of working population, they also have kids.
3) uptake pro-natalist policies.
UK- pension altercations have taken place in the past to ensure women’s won’t lose out on pensions if they take career breaks to have children.
Working family tax credits support men and women who go back to work after having kids, this could encourouge couples to have more kids.
How is increasing retirement age sustainable, how is it not sustainable?
Sustainable as - doesn’t increase population size.
Unsustainable as- more industries, in order to support more jobs. These jobs aren’t provided in a sustainable way.
How might allowing immigration/encouraging more children be sustainable?
If the migrants needs are met in a sustainable way. e.g meeting energy demands with renewable energy
If not , then it isn’t sustainable as they are using up resources.
