What does the term 'aging population' refer to?

The term 'aging population' specifically refers to a demographic trend where there is an increasing proportion of elderly individuals within a population. This phenomenon occurs when birth rates decline and life expectancy increases, leading to a larger segment of the population made up of older adults.

This demographic shift can have significant social and economic implications, such as challenges in healthcare provision, pension systems, and labor markets. Understanding the aging population is crucial for policymakers to plan for future needs related to aging, such as healthcare services, housing, and community support systems tailored for older individuals.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of an aging population. A balanced age distribution indicates a variety of age groups rather than a predominance of elderly individuals, higher birth rates would typically lead to a younger population, and high unemployment rates do not inherently relate to the age composition of a population.