Ageing Populations
Geography: KS3, topic 13.1.3
Ageing Population - UK
The UK is an example of a country with an ageing population. The population pyramid for the United Kingdom has a narrow base but a large middle and top.
The UK ageing population
- The population pyramid for the United Kingdom has a narrow base but a large middle and top.
- The UK's population pyramid shape shows that we have an ageing population as there are lots of people aged over 50.
- There is an ageing population due to a decrease in the number of children being born and an increase in life expectancy due to good quality healthcare.
Problems with ageing populations
- There is an increased pressure on healthcare services when there is an ageing population, as elderly people need more health care.
- Taxes have to increase as there are fewer people of working age. This means there is not enough tax to pay for pensions and health care for the elderly people.
- There is often a bigger reliance on families to support their elderly relatives as care homes are over-stretched and expensive.
Test yourself on Ageing Populations
What is the UK population pyramid shape like?
What is NOT a likely outcome of an ageing population?