Question

What is the importance of age structure?

Answer 1

The Importance of Age Structure in Population Planning

The age structure of a population, which is the distribution of people among various ages, is critically important for a country’s planning and development. Its importance lies in:

1. Economic Planning:

The age structure determines the proportion of the population that is in the working age group (typically 15-59 years) versus the dependent population (children and elderly). A large working-age population can lead to a “demographic dividend,” boosting economic growth. Conversely, a large dependent population puts pressure on the workforce and government resources for services like education, healthcare, and pensions.

2. Social Planning:

Knowing the age structure helps governments plan for social needs. For example, a country with a large young population needs more schools and pediatric healthcare facilities. A country with a rapidly ageing population needs to invest more in elderly care, pensions, and geriatric healthcare. The age structure also helps in forecasting future population trends and challenges.