Rapid Aging

Definition

Rapid aging refers to the significant increase in the proportion of elderly individuals within a population over a relatively short period of time. This demographic phenomenon occurs when the fertility rates decline and life expectancy increases, leading to a larger proportion of older people compared to younger ones.

Related terms

Dependency Ratio: The dependency ratio is the comparison between the working-age population and those who are either too young or too old to work. It helps measure the economic impact of an aging population.

Fertility Rate: The fertility rate is an indicator that measures how many children women, on average, have during their reproductive years. A declining fertility rate contributes to rapid aging.

Life Expectancy: Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person can expect to live. When life expectancy increases, it contributes to rapid aging as more individuals reach old age.