Consequences of population structureThe impact of an ageing and declining population
Population pyramids give information about a country and show the population structure. Differing population structures have different consequences for a country.
Across Europe there has been a drop in fertility leading to an ageing population. This can cause problems and these problems can arise at both ends of the age structure.
An increased population of older people means that:
there is an increased demand for health and social care
it becomes increasingly difficult for governments to provide satisfactory pensions, which are ultimately funded by taxes paid by the working population.
The reduced numbers of babies and children means that:
there is less need for schools and school teachers
industries which provide products for children - for example pram manufacturers - may suffer
in the longer term, companies may have difficulty recruiting young workers
the economically active group gets smaller and has to support a growing dependent population
