Aging population in Europe

Authors: Spela Velikonja, Gabriela Nedic

Case study

Problem

One of the biggest problems of Western European countries is POPULATION AGEING

low number of active population, high number of pensioners

Causes

low birth rate and low mortality lead to “negative momentum”

the fertility rate itself is 1.34 children per woman, well below the rate of 2.1 said to be needed to maintain a stable population.

young people choose between higher living standard and children,

women are afraid to lose their job if they get pregnant.

Solutions

child subvention rise,

paid maternity leave,

rise of income tax reliefs for bigger families,

propitious real estate loans for bigger families.

reduction of pension (especially the highest),

secured jobs in spite of pregnancy,

a choice: pension or job,

possibility of shorter working time for mothers

with more children,

by substantial increases in immigration.

will almost surely create new political, religious and cultural tensions

Bibliography

http://longevity-science.org/Population_Aging.htm

http://www.iiasa.ac.at/Admin/INF/PR/pdf-files/2003/pop_science_280303.pdf

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/2053581.stm

http://www.globalaging.org/rural_aging/world/europeaging.htm

http://longevity-science.org/Population_Aging.htm