25 Population Changes Over Time and Space CHECK YOUR LEARNING
1. Name and explain three reasons why fertility rates are higher in developing countries. 2. Name three countries with high fertility rates. 3. Name two impacts of high fertility rates.
The Impact of Mortality Rates and Life Expectancy on Population Structure
Mortality rates and life expectancy in developed countries
As a country advances economically, better living conditions and health services result in decreasing infant, maternal and general mortality rates, as well as increased life expectancy and changes to the population structure.
Impacts
Increasing life expectancy leads to ageing populations. This presents challenges including: zz
as people live longer, the percentage of old-age dependents will increase; zz zz zz
an ageing population puts greater demand on hospitals, for example, a winter flu outbreak;
there is an increased need for healthcare workers and facilities, such as nursing homes and day care centres;
increasing diagnoses of age-related dementia have implications for provision of long-term care.
Planning for an ageing population Governments have to plan for ageing populations. Possible strategies include: zz
zz zz zz
increasing the pension entitlement age; it is currently 66 but in 2028 it will rise to 68;
examination of compulsory retirement ages with a view to increasing them;
introduction of gradual retirement strategies, where people can work reduced hours and not have to fully retire;
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changing attitudes to ageing – The National Positive Ageing Strategy (Ireland) 2013 outlines a number of objectives, including identifying any barriers preventing people as they age from accessing continued employment and training opportunities (Fig. 25.18).
KEYWORDS
mortality rates life expectancy population structure healthcare planning
mandatory participation in pension schemes by all workers to provide for their retirement;
