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      Population challenges: ageing populations

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the features and impacts of ageing populations globally.

      Key learning points

      1. Life expectancies around the world are increasing due to better healthcare and disease prevention.
      2. Many higher income countries such as the UK, Germany and Japan have ageing populations.
      3. 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.

      Teacher tip

      A good place to find up-to-date data on population stats is Our World in Data.

      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?

      Correct answer: Gender: male and female
      Age groups
      Total population

      Q2.
      Which of these characteristics does a tall population pyramid suggest?

      Low life expectancy
      Correct answer: High life expectancy
      Low birth rate
      High death rate

      Q3.
      What does a steady or rectangular shape in a population pyramid indicate?

      Decreasing population
      Rapidly growing population
      Correct answer: Balanced population growth
      High death rate

      Q4.
      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
      Correct answer: Developing country with high 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?

      Young children
      Middle-aged adults
      Correct answer: Elderly
      Teenagers

      Q6.
      What does a low top in a population pyramid suggest?

      Correct answer: Low life expectancy
      High birth rate
      Low birth rate
      High life expectancy

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is a primary reason for the increase in global life expectancy?

      Increased use of cars
      Correct answer: Improved healthcare
      Higher birth rates
      Decline in technology

      Q2.
      What is an economic impact of an ageing population?

      Reduced spending on education
      Correct answer: Increased spending on healthcare
      Higher birth rates
      Decreased life expectancy

      Q3.
      Which country is known for having a high life expectancy and an ageing population?

      Nigeria
      Brazil
      Correct answer: Japan
      India

      Q4.
      Why does a low birth rate contribute to an ageing population?

      It increases life expectancy
      Correct answer: It reduces the number of young people
      It leads to increased migration
      It promotes economic growth

      To help you plan your 7 geography lesson on: Population challenges: ageing populations, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...