Ageing index

Definition

The ageing index is a demographic measure that compares the number of elderly individuals (typically aged 65 and older) to the number of younger individuals (usually those aged 0-14). A higher ageing index indicates a larger proportion of older people in a population, which is particularly relevant in understanding the implications of population aging in a society. This measure highlights the balance between youth and elderly populations, which can affect economic, social, and health policies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. China's ageing index has risen sharply since the implementation of the one-child policy, leading to an increasing proportion of elderly individuals in its population.
2. As of recent data, China has one of the highest ageing indices in the world, which poses significant challenges for healthcare and social support systems.
3. The ageing index reflects not only the increase in life expectancy but also declining birth rates, resulting from decades of population control measures.
4. Regions in China with a higher ageing index often experience more pronounced economic challenges due to a shrinking workforce supporting a growing elderly population.
5. The Chinese government is increasingly recognizing the implications of a high ageing index and is adjusting policies to address elder care, pension systems, and workforce management.

Review Questions

• How does China's ageing index illustrate the effects of the one-child policy on the country's demographic structure?
  • China's ageing index serves as a clear indicator of the demographic shifts brought about by the one-child policy. As this policy limited family size, it resulted in fewer young people entering the population while simultaneously increasing the proportion of elderly individuals. This imbalance is evident in the rising ageing index, which underscores the long-term consequences of population control measures on societal structure, including economic burdens and changes in family dynamics.
• Evaluate the potential social implications that arise from an increasing ageing index in China.
  • An increasing ageing index in China brings several social implications, including heightened demands for healthcare services and elder care support. As more individuals reach retirement age, there will be increased pressure on public health systems and family structures to provide adequate care for older adults. Moreover, this demographic shift may lead to a rise in intergenerational conflicts over resources and caregiving responsibilities, challenging traditional family roles.
• Assess how an elevated ageing index might influence China's economic policies and labor market strategies moving forward.
  • An elevated ageing index will significantly influence China's economic policies and labor market strategies by necessitating adaptations to address an aging workforce. With fewer young workers entering the job market, policies may shift towards incentivizing higher birth rates, improving immigration policies, or extending working age. Additionally, there may be greater investment in automation and technology to compensate for labor shortages while also enhancing elder care industries, which could reshape employment patterns across various sectors.

Related terms

demographic transition: The process through which a country moves from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as it develops economically.

dependency ratio:

A ratio that compares the working-age population (usually those aged 15-64) to the non-working-age population (those under 15 and over 64), indicating the burden on the productive population.

population pyramid: A graphical representation of the age and sex distribution of a population, often used to analyze demographic trends and predict future changes.