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Ageing crisis

Definition

An ageing crisis refers to a situation where a country has a significant increase in the proportion of elderly people in its population due to low birth rates and high life expectancy. This can lead to various social, economic, and healthcare challenges.

Analogy

Imagine a soccer team that has many older players but very few young players. The team struggles because they lack energy and agility on the field. Similarly, a country facing an ageing crisis may struggle with an older population that requires more resources for healthcare and retirement support.

Related terms

Dependency ratio: The dependency ratio is the number of economically dependent people (such as children and elderly) compared to the working-age population. A higher dependency ratio indicates a greater burden on the working-age population to support dependents.

Social security: Social security refers to government programs that provide financial assistance or benefits to retired or disabled individuals. It is designed to ensure income security for older adults who have stopped working.

Elderly care facilities: These are specialized institutions or centers that provide housing, medical care, and support services for elderly individuals who may require assistance with daily activities due to age-related conditions.