Which term refers to a population with an ageing age structure, often accompanied by fewer births and longer life expectancy?

Which term refers to a population with an ageing age structure, often accompanied by fewer births and longer life expectancy?

• A. Ageing population
• B. Youth bulge
• C. Population growth
• D. Demographic transition

Answer: (A)

An ageing population describes a population where a larger share of people are older, so the age structure shifts toward older cohorts. This happens when life expectancy increases and birth rates fall, leading to fewer births and longer lifespans. As a result, the median age rises and the proportion of elderly people grows, which fits the description of having an ageing age structure along with fewer births and longer life expectancy. A youth bulge would mean many more young people, not older ones, so it doesn’t fit. Population growth refers to changes in the total number of people, not how those people are distributed across ages. Demographic transition is the broader process of changing birth and death rates over time; it can lead to aging later, but the specific idea of an older age structure is best captured by an ageing population.

An ageing population describes a population where a larger share of people are older, so the age structure shifts toward older cohorts. This happens when life expectancy increases and birth rates fall, leading to fewer births and longer lifespans. As a result, the median age rises and the proportion of elderly people grows, which fits the description of having an ageing age structure along with fewer births and longer life expectancy. A youth bulge would mean many more young people, not older ones, so it doesn’t fit. Population growth refers to changes in the total number of people, not how those people are distributed across ages. Demographic transition is the broader process of changing birth and death rates over time; it can lead to aging later, but the specific idea of an older age structure is best captured by an ageing population.