Transcript The UK: An Ageing Population

The UK: An Ageing Population
Higher Geography: Human
Environments, Population
Aims of this case study….
At Higher you are expected to use named
examples you have studied.
E.g “for a named EMDC discuss the impacts a slow
population growth has had on the country”
By the end of this case study you should be
able to:
Discuss the population structure of the UK.
Discuss the reasons for a slow population growth and an
ageing population.
Discuss the impacts of an ageing population.
Discuss the solutions to an ageing population.
What is an Ageing population?
An ageing population is caused by
a decline in birth rates, an
increase in life expectancy and a
decline in death rates.
The UK has an ageing population.
This has led to a declining
proportion of the population aged
under 16 and an increasing
proportion aged 65 and over.
This can be easily identified on a
population pyramid.
% Of population within age brackets shown
16% of
the UK’s
populati
on is 65
and
over.
Reasons for an ageing population
Declining fertility rates
Increased life expectancy and
declining death rates.
Family planning and access to
Primary Health Care is accessible to all and
contraception means more control over cheap. E.g vaccinations and
having a family.
immunizations.
It is expensive to bring up children in
the UK. E.g Child care.
Improvements in health care mean illness
is diagnosed and treated effectively.
Women have more rights and are
better educated.
High standard of living e.g central heating,
good diet, exercise, education.
Religion plays less of an influence to
have a large family.
Improved working conditions e.g no longer
working down mines etc.
Women want to pursue a career rather
than give up work to raise children.
Improvements in maternity care.
Pensions mean people do not rely on
children in old age.
Less loss of life through natural disasters,
conflict or disease.
Impact of an ageing population
Its spokesman, Ben Harding, said: "The government must think
much more about its strategy for an ageing population. They need
to seriously think about involving older people in all types of
services whether it be transport, urban regeneration, health or
devolution.''
“With people living longer and longer because of medical and
other advances, health experts believe the number of people
suffering from debilitating conditions such as cancer and heart
disease will grow and could mean a rising demand for nursing
care.”
“The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the health impact
could be enormous. It predicts a big rise in cancers, coronary heart
disease, diabetes, dementia and other illnesses related to ageing”
"Scotland is changing. Like many other European countries, we are
living longer and society is becoming progressively older.” Scottish
Parliament.
“The Demographic TimeBomb”
Housing
With an increase in numbers of elderly, more sheltered housing
provision will be needed. Housing providers will need to be more aware
of the need for adapted housing.$$$$$
Transport
Elderly need to look to public transport to meet their needs as health
declines and especially vision. $$$$$
Will free public transport for the over 60’s be scrapped?$$$$$
Nursing Care
Very elderly people will require nursing or residential homes.$$$$$$
With less family there will be more pressure on family members to care
for elderly relatives.
Continued…
Consumerism
Health
“By 2031, they predict that the number of cases of coronary heart
disease will increase by 44%, the number of cases of heart failure
will increase by 54%…”
Pension Short-Fall
“When pensions were introduced in the early 1900s there were 25
people of working age in Britain for every retired person. In 2024
there will be less than three. (Source: Office of National Statistics)“
Workforce
In 1999 the working population amounted to 47.8% of the total UK
population. By 2030 it will be 44.5%. This could mean a shortfall of
two million workers. (Source: Government Actuary's Department)
DD
Solutions
“Strategy for an ageing population” released by the
Scottish parliament 13.3.2006
Focus on immigration.
Recognize the skills and opportunities that older people
can offer.
Pro natal strategies need to be introduced.
Raising the age for state pensions “The United Kingdom is
raising the age for women to that of men.”