Fiveable
Fiveable

Aging Populace

Definition

An aging populace refers to a situation where a large proportion of a country's population is made up of elderly individuals. This can occur due to declining birth rates and increased life expectancy.

Analogy

Picture an ice cream shop that offers only two flavors: vanilla (young people) and chocolate (elderly people). Over time, fewer young customers come in for vanilla while chocolate lovers keep coming back. Eventually, most of the customers will be enjoying their scoops of chocolate ice cream, representing an aging populace.

Related terms

Dependency Ratio: The ratio between dependents (children and elderly) and working-age individuals in a population.

Pension System: A system that provides financial support for retired or elderly individuals.

Longevity: The length or duration of an individual's life span.

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.