25 Population Changes Over Time and Space Technology
Many of Japan’s high-tech industries have responded to issues arising from the changing demographics (Fig. 25.21). Responses include:
zz zz
drone technology that can be used to deliver medicines to people in remote rural areas;
domestic robots to assist older people in their homes.
Fig. 25.21 Robotic vacuum cleaners are programmed to move around a room and pick up dust and dirt without the need for human operation. They can be scheduled to clean, or operated via remote control.
EXAM LINK (OL)
Population (30 marks) By the year 2031 there will be nearly one million people over the age of 65 in Ireland. That will have been an increase of more than 86% since 2016.
Discuss the challenges associated with an ageing population and how this ageing population can be planned for.
2018, Q11B CHECK YOUR LEARNING
1. Why are mortality rates low in developed countries? 2. Why are life expectancy rates high in developed countries? 3. Name two impacts an ageing population will have on a country. 4. Name three steps governments can take to plan for an ageing population. 5. List two ways Japan has responded to its ageing population structure.
Marking Scheme: Discussion = 11 SRPs × 3 marks
Mortality rates and life expectancy in developing countries
Infant and maternal mortality rates in developing countries are higher than in more developed countries. Reasons for this include: zz
poor families cannot afford even the most basic healthcare (e.g. Malawi); zz zz
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malnutrition contributes to more than half of child deaths after the first month of birth (e.g. South Sudan);
governments lack funds to invest in health services, particularly maternity and neonatal services;
people cannot afford the cost of medicines for the treatment of illnesses;
the spread of HIV/AIDS due to lack of education and the high cost of retroviral drugs to treat this disease prevents governments from buying them (e.g. Uganda).
