Population and ageing

Ages 13 to 17 Read alone · about 40 minutes

Read together

The world's population passed eight billion in 2022. It is still growing, but slowly, and many countries now have fewer children and more older people.

Some countries are young, others old. Each faces different needs.

Do it

1. Compare a population pyramid of a young country (such as the Philippines or Nigeria) and an older one (such as Japan or Italy). Describe the shape.
2. List what a young population needs (schools, jobs) and what an older one needs (care, pensions).
3. Interview an older relative about how life has changed.
4. Think of one way your church or family honours elders.

Talk about it

• What does the shape of the pyramid tell us?
• How can a society care well for its elders?

For the grown-up

Demographic data come from the United Nations and national census offices. Projections can change. Avoid framing people as a burden; many traditions teach honouring elders (for example the Fifth Commandment, Exodus 20:12).

Mark as done

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Where this comes from

• United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, World Population Prospects 2022
• Philippine Statistics Authority, census of population and housing

Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed. Please read it before sharing it with a child.