Population changes and demographic dividends
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Date
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Volume Title
Publisher
World Health Organization
Abstract
Description
3 p.
Global demographic transitions driven by declining fertility and increasing longevity are reshaping population age structures, with significant implications for health systems, economic development and social stability. This perspective article examines the concept of the demographic dividend and the broader consequences of population change across countries at different stages of demographic transition. The analysis describes how reductions in fertility can lower dependency ratios and create opportunities for economic growth, poverty reduction and improved well-being, emphasizing that the demographic dividend represents a potential rather than an automatic outcome. Realizing these gains requires coordinated, cross-sectoral strategies and sustained investments in health, education, infrastructure and governance. The article explores policy priorities tailored to different demographic contexts, including strengthening reproductive health services, promoting female education and labour force participation, and investing in human capital. It also addresses the challenges associated with population ageing, highlighting the need to extend working lives, support healthy ageing, expand long-term care systems and foster technological innovation to sustain productivity. Intended for policy-makers and public health stakeholders, it underscores the importance of integrated, life-course approaches to maximize the benefits of demographic change and mitigate its risks.
134
136
Global demographic transitions driven by declining fertility and increasing longevity are reshaping population age structures, with significant implications for health systems, economic development and social stability. This perspective article examines the concept of the demographic dividend and the broader consequences of population change across countries at different stages of demographic transition. The analysis describes how reductions in fertility can lower dependency ratios and create opportunities for economic growth, poverty reduction and improved well-being, emphasizing that the demographic dividend represents a potential rather than an automatic outcome. Realizing these gains requires coordinated, cross-sectoral strategies and sustained investments in health, education, infrastructure and governance. The article explores policy priorities tailored to different demographic contexts, including strengthening reproductive health services, promoting female education and labour force participation, and investing in human capital. It also addresses the challenges associated with population ageing, highlighting the need to extend working lives, support healthy ageing, expand long-term care systems and foster technological innovation to sustain productivity. Intended for policy-makers and public health stakeholders, it underscores the importance of integrated, life-course approaches to maximize the benefits of demographic change and mitigate its risks.
134
136
Keywords
Perspectives, Demography, Population Dynamics, Fertility, Age Distribution, Socioeconomic Factors, Population Growth, Life Expectancy, Health Policy, Health Planning, Health Services Needs and Demand, Reproductive Health, Poverty, Education, Sustainable Development, Developing Countries, Developed Countries, trends, economics, organization and administration, statistics and numerical data