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Microgravity: living on the International Space Station
Microgravity: living on the International Space Station

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2 Ageing forecasts by country

The United Nations produced a world chart showing the percentage of the populations of individual countries aged 60 years or older for 2012. They then provided a forecast for the year 2050 (Figures 3a and 3b).

Percentage of the population aged 60 years or over in 2012.
Figure 3a Percentage of the population aged 60 years or over in 2012.
Forecast of the percentage of the population aged 60 years or over in 2050.
Figure 3b Forecast of the percentage of the population aged 60 years or over in 2050.

Activity 2 Ageing statistics for individual countries

Timing: Allow approximately 10 minutes

Using Figures 3a and 3b, answer the following questions by choosing the one correct option for each.

a. 

0–9%


b. 

10–19%


c. 

20–24%


d. 

25–29%


e. 

No data


The correct answer is c.

a. 

0–9%


b. 

10–19%


c. 

20–24%


d. 

30% or over


e. 

No data


The correct answer is d.

a. 

0–9%


b. 

10–19%


c. 

20–24%


d. 

30% or over


e. 

No data


The correct answer is a.

a. 

Africa and the Middle East


b. 

Australia and Indonesia


c. 

India and the Middle East


d. 

North and South America


e. 

Russia, China and Europe


The correct answer is e.

Here you have seen that the projected figures indicate that the populations of the developed world may rise by 30% or more. The proportions of the ageing populations in these countries are also expected to rise. So, what research is being carried out on the effects of ageing?