Age structure
Age Structure
Age structure (pronunciation: /eɪdʒ ˈstrʌktʃər/) is a term used in demography and population ecology to describe the distribution of individuals in a population according to age. It is a crucial factor in understanding population dynamics and predicting future population trends.
Etymology
The term "age structure" is derived from the Latin aetas meaning "age" and the Latin structura meaning "a fitting together, structure".
Definition
Age structure refers to the proportion of individuals of different ages within a population. It is usually represented in the form of an age pyramid, which provides a snapshot of the age distribution in a population at a specific point in time. Age structure can greatly affect the growth and stability of a population.
Importance
The age structure of a population has significant implications for its socioeconomic status, health needs, and growth potential. For instance, a population with a high proportion of young individuals is likely to experience rapid growth, while a population with a high proportion of elderly individuals may face challenges related to healthcare and social support.
Related Terms
- Demographic transition: The transition from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates as a country develops from a pre-industrial to an industrialized economic system.
- Population pyramid: A graphical illustration that shows the distribution of various age groups in a population.
- Dependency ratio: A measure showing the number of dependents, aged 0-14 and over the age of 65, to the total population, aged 15-64.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Age structure
- Wikipedia's article - Age structure
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