The document discusses trends in the UK population including aging, immigration, and regional shifts. Some key points: - The proportion of over-60s is expected to rise significantly, increasing the dependency ratio and challenging the economy. - Immigration has helped offset population aging but its future impact is uncertain. - Younger workers have moved to southern and eastern regions while older residents settle in coastal and rural areas. - The upcoming decades will see the large "baby boom" generation retire, placing greater burden on a smaller working-age population to support them. Careful planning is needed to address this challenge.

1. Going global Roots

3. UK population (2) UK age–sex population pyramid, 2001

4. UK population change (1) Population statistic Trend Fertility rate: 1.84 per 1,000 Rates fell sharply in the 1960s, but have risen slightly in the last decade Birth rate: 10.7 per 1,000 Rates have stabilised having declined for decades; birth rates were high during the ‘baby boom’ after the Second World War Death rate: 10.1 per 1,000 Death rates are low, and stable; they fell throughout the twentieth century Infant mortality: 5 per 1,000 Very low; it was 140 per 1,000 in 1900

5. UK population change (2) Population statistic Trend Life expectancy: 81 years Has risen steadily, from 47 in 1900; women live 4–5 years longer than men Average age: 39 years Has risen recently as the population ages, but current immigration may change this Family size: 2.4 persons Has fallen sharply from 6 in 1900 Ethnicity: 8% Has risen steadily since 1945; the next census (2011) may show 9–10% Total population: 60.5 million Growing slowly, having stagnated and almost tipped into decline in the 1970s and 1980s

8. Changing regional patterns (2) Population change, 1991–2006

11. The grey challenge (2) The changing dependent population of the UK, 1971–2021