1. Lesson 3: Ageing Populations
Learning intentions:
We are learning about world population.
Success criteria:
I can explain what an ageing population is and can give an example of an ageing population.
I can suggest the causes of an ageing population.
I can discuss the consequences for an ageing population.

2. Starter
arent-many-and-cities-are-growing-desperate- desperately-seeking-young-people
Or search “Japan desperately seeking young people”
Read the article above using your phone
Answer the following questions:
What are the 3 main reasons for Japan’s ageing population?
How many people in Tokyo will be ‘old’ by 2040?
How will the older residents struggle in Tama? (2 reasons)
What is Tama doing to attract young people & families to the area?
What did the city of Okutama do to stop the population decline? Did it work?

3. What is an ageing population?
Defined as:
“a population in which the numbers of elderly (65+) is increasing relative to the number of year olds”
Put simply – a population which has a lot of elderly people and not many young people.
An ageing population can put a lot of pressure upon the government and taxpayers as there are more people who require to be cared for.

4. Facts from the WHO
All countries face major challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are ready to make the most of this demographic shift.
Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
By 2020, the number of people aged 60 years and older will outnumber children younger than 5 years.
In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries.

5. Japan case study
In recent years the UK has experienced a large increase in its old dependants.
Japan however is the fastest ageing country in the world.
Japan 30% of the population are already over 60 years old
Video: Japan's ageing population
Video 2 mins long

6. Japan’s birth rate is lower than its death rate – this means the population is ageing and declining (it’s getting older, and smaller).
For the last 30 years the number of babies born in Japan has been decreasing.

7. Why the decrease in birth rate?
THINK on your own
PAIR – Discuss with a partner
SHARE – Share your ideas with the class

8. Why the decrease in birth rate?
A recent survey revealed that many young Japanese people are not interested in relationships, marriage or having a family.
Women are choosing to have a career first and family second. This is because many women receive a good quality education and progress into higher education. Marriage is not as common.
Also, children are seen as an economic burden – property is very expensive in Japan so it would be difficult to raise a family and maintain a home. People would prefer to spend their money on material goods e.g. cars & holidays.
Education is competitive in Japan and many Japanese parents spend money on extra tuition for their children. Families cannot afford this for multiple children therefore choose to only have 1 or 2.
Maternity leave is only 14 weeks and career progression is not guaranteed after having children.

9. What are the consequences of an ageing population?
1. More elderly
2. Less children

10. 1. More Elderly leads to…
There is more need for geriatric care e.g. care homes as there are more elderly people. This is costly and puts pressure on the government.
Taxes may need to be increased to cover costs of providing such services as less people are working and contributing to the economy. This can make many people unhappy.
However, more jobs will be available for those employed in geriatric care. Also, the elderly population can help with childcare allowing more adults to work.

11. 1.Fewer young people leads to…
Less children being born mean there is less need for schools and nurseries. Many teachers will lose their jobs as schools close and this places financial strain on the government.
Also, as there are less young people there are less skilled workers entering the working age in the future. This will mean the country will struggle to complete in the global market affecting the countries prosperity.
Immigration rules may need to be relaxed to encourage people of child bearing age to live in Japan boosting birth rates. However, this can cause social and cultural tension.

12. 4th October 2016 news

13. Past Paper Question
Discuss the consequences of the population structure for the future economy of Italy and the welfare of its citizens. (9)
E.g. “An ageing population may put a strain on current geriatric services forcing the government to build new health centres and care homes, putting an economic strain on local authorities and centre government.”

14. Success criteria
I can explain what an ageing population is and can give an example of an ageing population.
I can suggest the causes of an ageing population.
I can discuss the consequences for an ageing population.

15. Plenary
What sort of job would you want to do if you had to work when you were 70?
Keep it realistic!!!