Glossary
Demographic Transition Model (DTM)
A model that describes population change over time, illustrating how birth and death rates transform as a country develops from a pre-industrial to an industrialized economic system.
Example:
Japan, with its very low birth rates and high life expectancy, is often cited as a country in Stage 5 of the Demographic Transition Model.
Healthcare Demands
The increased need for medical services, facilities, and caregivers that arises from a larger proportion of elderly individuals in a population.
Example:
An aging population places significant Healthcare Demands on national budgets, requiring more hospitals, specialized doctors, and long-term care facilities.
High death rates (in aging populations)
In the context of aging populations, this refers to an increase in the crude death rate due to a larger proportion of elderly individuals who are naturally more susceptible to mortality, despite overall improvements in healthcare.
Example:
Even with excellent healthcare, a country with a very large elderly population will eventually see high death rates as its older citizens pass away.
Increased Voter Turnout (elderly)
A political impact of aging populations where older citizens, who tend to vote more frequently, exert greater influence on election outcomes and policy priorities.
Example:
In many democratic nations, the consistent Increased Voter Turnout among seniors means politicians often prioritize issues like Medicare and social security.
Low birth rates
A demographic characteristic where the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population is significantly reduced. This is often linked to increased education and economic opportunities for women.
Example:
South Korea has experienced extremely low birth rates, leading to concerns about its future workforce and dependency ratio.
Negative Natural Increase Rate (NIR)
Occurs when the crude death rate exceeds the crude birth rate, leading to a decrease in the total population size. This is a hallmark of Stage 5 of the DTM.
Example:
Germany has experienced a Negative Natural Increase Rate for several years, meaning its population would be shrinking without immigration.
Population Pyramids
Graphical illustrations that show the distribution of various age groups in a population, typically by sex. They are crucial for visualizing demographic trends like aging populations.
Example:
A Population Pyramid for a country like Japan would show a narrow base (few young people) and a wider top (many elderly), indicating an aging society.
Shrinking Workforce
An economic consequence of population aging where fewer young people enter the labor force, potentially leading to labor shortages, reduced productivity, and slower economic growth.
Example:
Countries like Germany are facing a Shrinking Workforce, prompting them to consider policies to encourage immigration or raise the retirement age.
Stage 4 (DTM)
A stage in the DTM characterized by low birth rates and low death rates, leading to a stable or slowly growing population. Women are often more educated and in the workforce.
Example:
Many Western European countries are in Stage 4, where families often choose to have fewer children due to economic factors and increased opportunities for women.
Stage 5 (DTM)
A hypothetical stage in the DTM where death rates exceed birth rates, resulting in a negative natural increase rate and population decline. This is often due to very low fertility rates and an aging population.
Example:
If Italy's current trends of declining births and an aging population continue, it could be considered to be in Stage 5, facing a shrinking overall population.
Strain on Social Security/Pension Systems
An economic impact where a growing number of retirees and a declining number of working-age individuals put financial pressure on public or private retirement benefit programs.
Example:
The Strain on Social Security/Pension Systems in many developed countries is a major concern, as fewer workers contribute to support a larger pool of beneficiaries.