Aging or decreasing population

LO: to describe how a population can start to decline and explain some of the effects this can have

All of you will name two countries with aging populations and explain why this is the case

Most of you will describe and explain, using examples, the effects of a decreasing population

Some of you will suggest action that the government of these countries may have to take to support their populations

What is happening to Japan’s population?

What can you tell about birth/death rates and life expectancy?

Total population in 2008 127 mill

Total population in 2025 (Est)

127.14 mill

Birth rate 8.1

Death rate 8.9

Rate of natural increase -0.09

Population over 65 years old (%) 20

How can a population decrease?To maintain a stable population, MEDC countries need to have a fertility rate of 2.1. If fertility rates drop below this i.e. if women have less that 2 children each, the population can begin to drop.

This can affect the dependency ratio (the ratio between economically active and those who are dependent on them)1. Name two countries with a decreasing population2. Explain how a country’s population can decrease

Summary of how its happening http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJX0HUBvYQ4

3. Why might the birth rate drop?

Effects of an aging/ decreasing population?Jobs

Counter Urbanisation

Separate Living

Crime

prison

Less people means there are jobs for everyone () but it also means there are less skilled workers for employers to chose from ().

Elderly people need money during their retirement. Some find jobs in places like McDonalds, some become homeless, some turn to crime

Older people who no longer work often move to remote rural areas, this puts pressure on services in these areas

Many elderly move to warmer, cheaper areas or countries e.g. UK pensioners move to Cyprus. This can leave them feeling isolated or lonely .

Why are Japanese pensioners

committing crimes?

Robotics

What should be done?Is it okay for a population to age and decrease?Is an aging population sustainable? Should a country force people to have more children?Who should bear the cost of looking after the elderly? Tax payers / family / the elderly?3. Explain what you think should happen in Japan (and Italy). What can the government do to slow or reverse the situation?