Changing population

• What was the population of the UK in 2001?

  About 59 million
• What was the population of the UK in 2015?

  About 65 million
• How has the UK's population growth rate changed since 2011?

  It has slowed down
• What does the population pyramid show about the UK's population structure?

  • In 2001, highest age group was 20-29
  • By 2015, highest age group was 40-49
  • Increase in 20-29 age group due to young migrants
  • Population aged 0-19 increased by about 6%
  • Population aged over 60 increased by about 10%
• What was the highest age group in the UK population pyramid in 2001?

  20-29 age group
• What was the highest age group in the UK population pyramid in 2015?

  40-49 age group
• Why did the number of people aged 20-29 increase between 2001 and 2015?

  Due to increasing numbers of young migrants
• What percentage increase did the population aged 0-19 experience?

  About 6%
• What percentage increase did the population aged over 60 experience?

  About 10%
• How does the UK's changing population relate to the Demographic Transition Model (DTM)?

  • Stage 3 (1900-1940): Population growing, more young than old
  • Stage 4 (since 1940): Low birth (12/1000) and death rates (9/1000)
  • Not yet reached Stage 5: Death rate higher than birth rate
• What was the birth rate in the UK as of the latest data?

  12 births per thousand people
• What was the death rate in the UK as of the latest data?

  9 deaths per thousand people
• What is the current stage of the UK in the Demographic Transition Model?

  Stage 4
• What percentage of the UK population is over 65?

  About 18%
• Why is the proportion of older people in the UK increasing?

  • Low birth rates: Average children per family decreased from 2.9 (1964) to 1.8 (2014)
  • Longer life expectancy: Increased from 72 years (1984) to 81 years (2015)
• What was the average number of children per family in 1964?

  2.9
• What was the average number of children per family in 2014?

  1.8
• What was the life expectancy in the UK in 1984?

  72 years
• What was the life expectancy in the UK in 2015?

  81 years
• How does the proportion of older people vary across the UK?

  • Lower in Northern Ireland and Scotland than in England and Wales
  • Lower in urban areas (e.g., London, Bristol, Manchester)
  • Higher in coastal areas, especially east and south-west England
• What are the social effects of the ageing population in the UK?

  • Increased demand for healthcare services
  • Unpaid carers have less leisure time and more stress
  • Lower birth rates due to dependent older relatives
  • Retired people contribute through voluntary work
• What are the economic effects of the ageing population in the UK?

  • Rising taxes for working people to fund healthcare
  • Decreased economic contribution from non-working older people
  • Older people caring for grandchildren allows parents to work
  • Older people spend disposable income, boosting the economy
• What responses might the government have to the ageing population?

  • Increase taxes or cut spending in other areas
  • Raise pension claim age to keep people working longer
  • Encourage savings for retirement (e.g., pensioner bonds)
  • Potential changes to winter fuel allowance eligibility
• What was the population of London in 2001?

  About 7.2 million
• What was the population of London in 2015?

  More than 8.5 million
• What age group experienced the highest population growth in London?

  40-49 age bracket
• What drives population growth in London?

  Natural increase and migration
• What percentage of London's population were born in another country?

  About 37%
• How has ethnic diversity in London changed since 2001?

  Increased significantly
• What percentage of London's population was white British in 2001?

  60%
• What percentage of London's population was white British by 2011?

  45%
• What are the key points regarding the changing population of the UK?

  • Population increased from 59 million (2001) to 65 million (2015)
  • Ageing population with 18% over 65
  • Low birth rates and increased life expectancy
  • Variation in older population across regions
  • Social and economic effects of ageing population
  • Government responses to ageing population
  • London has a younger, more ethnically diverse population