What characterizes an aging population?

An aging population is characterized by a larger proportion of older individuals within the population. This demographic trend occurs when the median age of a population increases, indicating that there are more individuals in older age groups. Factors contributing to an aging population include increased life expectancy due to improvements in healthcare, a decline in fertility rates, and lower mortality rates among older adults.

As a population ages, there can be significant social, economic, and healthcare implications, such as increased demand for retirement benefits and healthcare services geared toward older populations. This situation contrasts with a youthful population, which would have a higher proportion of young individuals, as well as different demographic dynamics characterized by higher birth rates and rapid population growth.