Below is a depiction of the world's population growth from 1990 - 2050 resting above the expected growth pattern for Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is the high fertility rate depicted at 6.9. Because the fertility rate is so high, the population has a large percentage of children, who will be entering their reproductive stage. This means that the population will continue to grow exponentially because parents will continue to live while their children are growing and reproducing themselves. The life expectancy is only 51.8 years, approximately 17 years lower than the world's average. This will ease the population growth some, but not enought to stop or reverse the pattern already established.
Below is a depiction of the world's population growth with an example of Japan's growth shown beneath it.
Japan's fertility rate is low, 1.6%. As people choose to have fewer children, the number of middle-aged people begins to outnumber their replacements. This poses a larger economic responsibility on younger people. As the middle-aged population enters retirement, there will be a shift in the job market as positions will have no one to fill them. Medicare and social security in the USA (our rate is similar) will be straining to support the elderly, if it can at all.
How will this affect attitudes in situations of greater populations of children?
Perhaps, parents will feel pressured to limit their offspring. In dire circumstances, such as in China, abortions may be forced upon couples to maintain "equilibrium". Maybe parents will have to choose which of their children will be fed or be schooled because of limited resources. Children are needed in some poorer regions to help support the family and that is why many of these MDCs continue to have large families. Hopefully, education will prevail and options more suitable to better quality of life will help parents decide and take control of their own family's future.
In populations where the middle-aged and elderly are prevalent, quality of life may be interpreted by others and early termination may be considered to be an option. Remember "Soylent Green?" Instead of representing wisdom, the elderly will be a burden, perceived as unproductive and a drain on medical systems. I would like to see the middle-aged working later into their golden years, contributing more in the workplace and volunteering to fill positions needed in their community. I think that organizations like SCORE (a resource of retired business people who volunteer to advise people interested in owning a business) are a valuable commodity. Efforts should be made to avoid the polarization of the young vs the old.
In either one of these circumstances, it is unfortunate that people (very young or very old) may be perceived as dispensable (or do I mean disposable?).
If we step back and assess every situation we find ourselves in, we should be innovative enough to overcome the difficulties that arise. A few dedicated people to get the word out and some resources to help those in need can begin to make the impact for change.
I want to thank you for opening my eyes. I hope I am able to make some of the changes needed to help change the direction we're heading.
Foster grandparents at work . . .
http://www.mvcaa.com/UserFiles/Image/Foster-Grandparents_volunteer.jpg
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