6.2.6

Case Study: UK's Ageing Population - Causes

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Causes and Distribution of the UK's Ageing Population

In 2016, 18% of the UK's population was over the age of 65. This proportion is increasing mainly because of decreasing birth rates and increasing life expectancies. But, the proportion of older people isn't constant throughout the UK.

Illustrative background for Cause 1 - decreasing birth ratesIllustrative background for Cause 1 - decreasing birth rates ?? "content

Cause 1 - decreasing birth rates

  • Couples are choosing to have fewer children.
    • From 1964 to 2018, the average number of children per UK family decreased from 2.9 to 1.7.
  • More people are choosing not to have children at all.
Illustrative background for Cause 2 - increasing life expectancyIllustrative background for Cause 2 - increasing life expectancy ?? "content

Cause 2 - increasing life expectancy

  • Better medical care and increased awareness of the importance of living healthily are causing people to live longer.
    • From 1964 to 2018, life expectancy in the UK increased from 72 to 81.
Illustrative background for Spatial distribution of the elderly populationIllustrative background for Spatial distribution of the elderly population ?? "content

Spatial distribution of the elderly population

  • Cities generally attract young migrants, young graduates, or people attending university.
  • Rural and coastal areas usually have older populations.
  • Surrey, Hampshire, and Devon have large retirement communities.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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