Question

What is meant by the ‘age structure’ of the population? Why is it relevant for economic development and growth?

Answer 1

• India has a very young population. The average age of an Indian is less than that for most other countries. Majority of Indians are between the age group of 15 and 64 years.
• Age structure of the population refers to the proportions of persons in different age groups relative to the total population.
• Population under the age of 15 has decreased from 42% in 1971 to 31% in 2011. During this period the ratio of age group 15 to 64 was gone up from 53% to 63.7%.
• Age structure in a country changes with development poor medical facilities, prevalence of disease reduce the life expectancy.
• Age structure of population can be put in following age groups:
  0-14 years. [Children]
  15-59 years. [Working population]
  60 + Years. [Old people]
  This age structure of the Indian population can be understood by following table.     

Table.  Age structure of the indian population 1961-2026

Year	Age groups (Percentage round up)			Total
	0-14 years	15-59 years	60+years
1961	41	53	6	100
1971	42	53	5	100
1981	40	54	6	100
1991	38	56	7	100
2001	34	59	7	100
2011	29	63	8	100
2026	23	64	12	100

This table indicates that the share of the under 15 age group in the total population has come down from higher level of 42% in 1971 to 34% in 2001 and it is perfected to be reduced to 23% in 2026. It means birth rate in India is gradually decreasing.

Relevance for economic development and growth :-

• Due to the advancement in medical sciences, public health measures and nutrition the life expectancy is at rise. This is due to economic development and growth.
• Need of family planning in being understood. Decrease in 0-14 years age group reveals that National population policy is implemented properly.
• Because of socio-cultural changes in Indian society and economic growth Age structure of population is moving towards positive young India.
• Dependency ratio is decreasing and increase in working population is causing positive growth in Indian economy.
• Economic development and improvement in quality of life improve life expectancy and changes the structures of the population.
• High infant mortality rate and material mortality rate due to poor economic growth hence an adverse effect of age structure on the population.