Part 4/11:
As for longer lifespans, advances in healthcare—covering vaccinations, antibiotics, sanitation, and better nutrition—have been influential. Yet, these improvements also increase the proportion of elderly in the population, exacerbating the demographic shift.
The Consequences of Demographic Imbalances
An aging population leads to substantial economic and social strains. Fewer working-age individuals support a growing retired demographic, leading to mounting pressure on social security systems and healthcare infrastructure. In the U.S., for example, Social Security faces a looming deficit as the ratio of workers to retirees diminishes.