New
New
Population challenges: ageing populations
I can describe the features and impacts of ageing populations globally.
Lesson 10 of 12
New
New
- Year 7
Population challenges: ageing populations
I can describe the features and impacts of ageing populations globally.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Life expectancies around the world are increasing due to better healthcare and disease prevention.
- Many higher income countries such as the UK, Germany and Japan have ageing populations.
- An ageing population leads to the government having to invest more in pensions and healthcare.
Keywords
Life expectancy - the average number of years a person is expected to live
Pension - a regular payment made during retirement from an investment fund
Healthcare - services provided to individuals to treat and prevent illness
Economic - anything to do with money, jobs, and resources
Common misconception
All countries have ageing populations.
Not all countries have ageing populations. It is more common in higher income nations with longer life expectancies.
A good place to find up-to-date data on population stats is Our World in Data.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.On a population pyramid, what do the different sides represent?
On a population pyramid, what do the different sides represent?
Age groups
Total population
Q2.Which of these characteristics does a tall population pyramid suggest?
Which of these characteristics does a tall population pyramid suggest?
Low life expectancy
Low birth rate
High death rate
Q3.What does a steady or rectangular shape in a population pyramid indicate?
What does a steady or rectangular shape in a population pyramid indicate?
Decreasing population
Rapidly growing population
High death rate
Q4.A population pyramid with a very wide base is most likely to be found in which type of country?
A population pyramid with a very wide base is most likely to be found in which type of country?
Developed country with low birth rates
Developed country with high birth rates
Country with a balanced age structure
Q5.Which age group is typically found at the top of a population pyramid?
Which age group is typically found at the top of a population pyramid?
Young children
Middle-aged adults
Teenagers
Q6.What does a low top in a population pyramid suggest?
What does a low top in a population pyramid suggest?
High birth rate
Low birth rate
High life expectancy
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is a primary reason for the increase in global life expectancy?
Which of the following is a primary reason for the increase in global life expectancy?
Increased use of cars
Higher birth rates
Decline in technology
Q2.What is an economic impact of an ageing population?
What is an economic impact of an ageing population?
Reduced spending on education
Higher birth rates
Decreased life expectancy
Q3.Which country is known for having a high life expectancy and an ageing population?
Which country is known for having a high life expectancy and an ageing population?
Nigeria
Brazil
India
Q4.Why does a low birth rate contribute to an ageing population?
Why does a low birth rate contribute to an ageing population?
It increases life expectancy
It leads to increased migration
It promotes economic growth
