Ageing population: When the median age of a country rises due to rising life

expectancy and/ or declining birth rates.

Population in the UK:
Total: 62 million
Life expectancy is 80 (Male 77 and Female 82 years)
Birth rate is 12.2 per 1000
Death rate is 9.3 per 100
Fertility: 1.66 (2010)
GDP per capita: $34,800
Currently in stage 4 in the Demographic Transition Model, trends show
that it may be going into 5 soon.

Population Pyramid shows a decrease in the birth rates which are being projected
over the next 40 years or so. The life expectancy is increasing, this can be shown
as the structure is becoming larger nearer the top part showing that the working
age which in 2012 is decreasing from the prime age of about 45-49 age limit to
around 65 years of age (close to retirement). This can be shown to entering
stage 5 of the DTM.
At what rate is the population increasing?
0.7% in a year is the natural increase, one of the slowest countries in the
world
Birth rate and fertility rates are decreasing
Death rates are lower since the free NHS; people are living longer due to
improvement in lifestyle and diet as well as some of the best health
professionals in the world.

Why are the fertility rates falling?

Women are generally working longer and are more careers focussed. More
females are going to university, or pursuing a career of their own. The age
of having children has increased from being in the 20s to the 30s. More
contraceptives are being used and couples may be more materialistic.
Fertility will decrease as a woman gets since older, therefore family size is
smaller.
Some never have any children at all

 Natural increase is not replacing the population however immigration

might.
People do not need to rely on children to take care of them when they are
older, they have many support services
Challenges:
Ageing population put a strain on the healthcare and puts pressure on the
resources available. As the age increases, the average cost for them
increases as they are more susceptible to diseases. This means people are
living longer.
Some people may choose to do part time or full time work after being
retired therefore they need to be constantly treated.
Health care is compressed in the last few years of life
- Greater chances of diseases such as CVD or Alzheimer are which provides
a challenge for the NHS and care homes.
- There will be longer waiting times for patients and if there is a problem it
can take time for people to be treated.
Ageing population put a strain on the pension system and is claiming
money from the government after they retire; this is known as state
pension. As life expectancy increases, more people claim pensions for
longer. There are on average 3.7 people in work for every person aged
above 65. In 2041, it will fall to 2.1.
It can become difficult for the elderly to live on state pension as it is so
little, if there is inflation on food or fuel then it can become difficult to
afford.
The workforce will decrease but there will be more costs for the
government to handle
Pensioners become poorer
- Taxes may increase to make up with this cost
The retirement age may increase
- The rate at which individuals save for retirement will increase.
Some companies pay into an employers pension pot such as BP

Ageing populations put a strain on housing. This s because some elderly

people may not be able to look after themselves and opt for a care home
instead of living in their own family homes. Some cannot simply have the
luxury of owning a residential house so have to sell it in exchange for
money.
- The elderly living alone in a council or housing association have no choice
but to do this and may be forced since they need the housing space that
families require.
- Some people may be afraid living in more urban areas on their own since
there are higher crime rates.
New housing may also be needed e.g. smaller properties without stairs.
Segregation based on age has manifested itself in a number of ways of
towns in the UK:
- A sense of living around the community, where they have been bought up
etc.
Purpose built bungalows where access to other rooms isnt a problem.
Nursing homes have increased since elderly require more catering, usually
find in the suburbs.

Positives:
Ageing populations have a great influence on business and the economy.
This is because wealthier retired people have disposable income e.g.
holidays. They have a greater purchasing power.
Support services are being bought for those who live alone.
The grey vote is important to parties and the ageing population can help
a political party succeed.