The significant change in age structure between 2002 and 2050 can be attributed to several factors, including: Increased life expectancy, Demographic transition and Age-specific immigration patterns.
How do these factor contribute to the population structure?
- Increased life expectancy: Advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and public health have led to a significant increase in life expectancy worldwide.
This is reflected in the broader age distribution in the upper age groups of the 2050 population pyramid as compard to 2002, with a good proportion of indviduals surviving into their 60s, and 80s.
- Age-specific immigration patterns: Immigration patterns can also influence the age structure of a population.
If a country experiencs a significant influx of immigrants in certain age groups, it can alter the shape of the population pyramid.
- Sustained Population Growth: A broader base indicates ongoing population growth rather than a stabilization or decline, which can have implications for planning in areas such as education, employment, and healthcar
- Demographic transition: Many countries are transitioning from high fertility and mortality rates to lower fertility and mortality rates.
This demographic transtion is associated with a shift from a pyramid-shaped age structure to a more rectangular one, as seen in the 2050 population pyramid.