What is a potential effect of population aging on society?

Population aging refers to a demographic trend where the proportion of older individuals in a society increases, leading to significant societal changes. The potential effect of higher dependency ratios and increased healthcare demands is particularly relevant in this context.

As the population ages, there is a shift in the age structure, meaning that there are more elderly individuals relative to the working-age population. This results in a higher dependency ratio, which signifies that fewer workers are available to support a growing number of dependents—primarily seniors. Consequently, the economic burden on the working population increases, as they must support a larger number of elderly individuals through taxes and social services.

In addition, older populations tend to require more healthcare services due to age-related health issues and chronic conditions. As a result, there will be an increased demand for healthcare professionals, medical facilities, and resources, placing further strain on the healthcare system. This heightened demand can lead to challenges such as longer wait times for treatment and increased healthcare costs for both individuals and governments.

This dynamic illustrates the importance of understanding population aging, as it presents significant implications for economic sustainability, workforce planning, and healthcare infrastructure within society.