HOW AN AGEING POPULATION WILL CHANGE THE WORLD - BBC NEWS

Summary

By 2050, the global population over 65 will triple, raising concerns about aging, especially in countries like Japan, where 87% of people worry about the issue. While some nations, like the US, show less concern, they face unique economic challenges. Immigration plays a crucial role in shaping populations, with the US projected to see 82% of its growth from immigrants by 2050. Countries with younger populations, such as Nigeria, may benefit economically, as they are expected to surpass the US in size. This shift in demographics presents both challenges and opportunities for global economies.

Takeaways

• 😀 By 2050, the number of people over 65 will triple worldwide, posing significant challenges to aging populations.
• 😀 Japan is the most concerned country about aging, with 87% of people recognizing it as a problem.
• 😀 In contrast, only 26% of people in the United States are concerned about the aging issue.
• 😀 Countries with older populations tend to have higher levels of concern about aging, while younger countries are less worried.
• 😀 There are varying opinions on who should be responsible for caring for the elderly, with some countries favoring government involvement and others preferring family care.
• 😀 In Pakistan, 77% of people believe families should take responsibility for elderly care.
• 😀 Aging populations can negatively impact economies, as more older and younger people rely on working-age populations.
• 😀 The U.S. has a slower-growing but still relatively younger population compared to Europe and Asia, partly due to immigration.
• 😀 Immigrants have played a significant role in U.S. population growth, accounting for 51% of growth between 1960 and 2005.
• 😀 By 2050, immigrants and their descendants will account for 82% of U.S. population growth.
• 😀 Countries with younger populations, like Nigeria, may see economic growth advantages in the coming decades, with Nigeria projected to surpass the U.S. in population by 2050.

Q & A

What is the projected trend for the aging population by 2050?

By 2050, the number of people over 65 will triple, leading to significant demographic changes across the world.

Which country is most concerned about the aging population according to the Pew Research Center survey?

Japan is the most concerned, with 87% of people viewing aging as a problem.

How does concern about aging in the U.S. compare to Japan?

In contrast to Japan, only 26% of people in the U.S. are concerned about aging, reflecting a notable difference in attitudes.

What does the survey reveal about who should be responsible for caring for the elderly?

The survey shows varying opinions across countries, with some believing the government should take responsibility, while others, like Pakistan, feel families should care for seniors.

What role does immigration play in the U.S. population growth?

Immigration plays a crucial role in U.S. population growth, contributing significantly to the nation's younger demographic. Immigrants and their descendants accounted for 51% of the U.S. population growth from 1960 to 2005 and are expected to account for 82% between 2005 and 2050.

How does the aging population affect economies, particularly in Spain?

The aging population puts a strain on economies by increasing the proportion of older individuals relying on a smaller working-age population. Spain is cited as a key example of this trend.

Which country is expected to have the largest population by 2050, surpassing the United States?

Nigeria is projected to have a larger population than the United States by 2050, making it one of the countries with the youngest and most rapidly growing populations.

What is the significance of a country having a younger population?

Countries with younger populations, like Nigeria, may experience economic growth as their workforce continues to expand, which could offer a competitive advantage in the global economy.

What impact does the U.S.'s slower population growth have compared to other nations?

The U.S.'s population is growing slower than in many European and Asian countries, but it remains younger overall due to higher immigration rates, which help sustain its workforce.

What is the general global perspective on aging and who should care for the elderly?

Globally, there is a mix of views, but overall, many believe that the government should take responsibility for the elderly, although countries like Pakistan place more emphasis on family care.