Population Aging: How Should It Be Measured?

Jeroen Spijker, John MacInnes, Tim Riffe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The standard indicator of population aging is the old-age dependency ratio (OADR). Despite lower levels in the US than in other high-income countries its continuous increase has increased policy makers’ concern. However, the OADR is not ‘fit for purpose’, as it counts neither the dependent elderly nor those who sustain them. It merely takes a cut-off point (the state pension age) and assigns adults to the two sides of the ratio accordingly. We propose several alternative measures that give a more accurate but different account.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPopulation Association of America Annual Meeting
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2014
EventPopulation Association of America Annual Meeting - Princeton, Boston, United Kingdom
Duration: 1 May 20143 May 2014

Conference

ConferencePopulation Association of America Annual Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBoston
Period1/05/143/05/14

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  • ES/K004611/1

    MacInnes, J. (Principal Investigator) & Spijker, J. (Co-investigator)

    ESRC

    1/10/1231/03/14

    Project: Research

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