Demography - ageing population

• What are the three factors that indicate an ageing population?

  Increasing life expectancy, decline in infant mortality, and decline in fertility
• How can the ageing population be illustrated?

  By an age pyramid
• What does the age pyramid show about the population structure?

  It shows how older groups are growing while younger groups are shrinking
• What does Hirsch (2005) state about age groups in society?

  The building blocks between the age groups are becoming more equal
• What is the definition of the dependency ratio?

  The proportion of the population who rely on state and welfare benefits compared to those in employment
• Who are considered an economically dependent age group?

  The non-working old
• What do the working ages provide for the non-working old?

  Support through taxes for pensions and healthcare
• How does the dependency ratio change as the number of old people increases?

  The dependency ratio increases
• What is the current ratio of pensioners to working-age individuals?

  For every 3.2 pensioners, there is 1 person of working age
• What is the predicted dependency ratio by 2033?

  It is predicted to fall to 2.8
• Why is it misleading to categorize old people as economically dependent?

  Because the age of retirement is growing
• What is the retirement age for both men and women starting from 2020?

  66 years old
• How does the increase of old people in the dependency ratio relate to children?

  It is affected by the declining number of dependent children
• What is ageism?

  The negative stereotyping and unequal treatment of people based on their age
• How can ageism manifest in society?

  Through discrimination in employment and unfairness within healthcare
• What does ageism lead to in terms of social status for older individuals?

  It causes them to have a dependent status and a stigmatised identity
• What does Marxist Phillipson (1982) argue about old people in capitalism?

  They are no use to capitalism as they are no longer working
• What is the impact of structured dependency on older individuals?

  They are often outcast from paying jobs and depend on family benefits
• How does modern society structure age-related identities?

  As a fixed series of stages, such as youth and childhood
• What do postmodernists argue about life stages?

  That orderly stages in life have been broken down
• How do postmodern trends affect older individuals' lifestyles?

  They provide more opportunity and greater choice of lifestyle
• What does Hunt (2005) argue about age and identity?

  Age no longer determines who we are and what we do
• How are retailers and the media targeting older individuals?

  By marketing 'body maintenance' and 'rejuvenation' schemes
• What are some examples of products aimed at older individuals?

  Cosmetic surgery, gym equipment, and anti-aging products
• What does Pilcher (1955) say about inequalities among the old?

  That gender and class significantly impact inequalities
• How do middle-class pensions compare to those of poorer old people?

  Middle-class tend to have better pensions and higher savings
• What challenges do older women face regarding pensions?

  Lower earnings lead to lower pensions
• What percentage of old people reported age discrimination according to Age Concern?

  29%
• What does Hirsh (2005) suggest about social policies for the ageing population?

  They need to be changed to tackle problems caused by the ageing population
• How can we finance a longer period of old age according to Hirsh (2005)?

  By paying more from our savings and tax while working
• What does Hirsh (2005) recommend for older people regarding accommodation?

  To move into smaller accommodation to afford more for themselves
• What are the implications of an ageing population on society?

  • Increased dependency ratio
  • Need for changes in social policies
  • Greater demand for healthcare and pensions
  • Shift in family dynamics regarding care
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the current approach to the ageing population?

  Strengths:

  • Increased awareness of age-related issues
  • Opportunities for older individuals to engage in society

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Ageism and discrimination persist
  • Economic dependency concerns
  • Inequalities based on gender and class