2.9 Aging Population

The average age is increasing:

The average age in Bangladesh is on the rise, primarily due to a decline in fertility rates resulting from successful family planning and reproductive health initiatives. As families have fewer children, there is a smaller proportion of the population in younger age groups. Additionally, improvements in healthcare and medical services have led to increased life expectancy, allowing people to live longer. 

"The aging population in Bangladesh is increasing because of falling fertility rates. According to a UN census, the elderly population in Bangladesh is increasing by around 2.68% each year. In 2050, the population aged 60 and above is expected to be more than eleven times the population aged under 15." 

Social Impact:

Family Structure: families in Bangladesh, which had fewer members due to smaller family sizes, had to adjust and take on more significant roles and responsibilities in caring for their older family members.

Healthcare Needs: Healthcare services in Bangladesh were modified to cater to the specific age-related health conditions of its aging population. This adaptation involved improving and expanding healthcare facilities and services tailored to older citizens.

Political Impact:

Social Welfare: established pension systems, which provided regular financial support to retired individuals, and other support systems for financial security during retirement.

Elderly Representation: Efforts were made in Bangladesh to ensure that the elderly had a political voice and representation in decision-making processes through policies and initiatives aimed at promoting their interests and rights.

Economic Impact:

Labor Force: Bangladesh faced labor shortages as its population aged. Older workers retired, and there were fewer younger individuals entering the job market, which led to challenges in maintaining a skilled and productive workforce.

Skills Gap: In Bangladesh, efforts were made to address the need for technology adaptation among older workers. This was done to bridge the skills gap and ensure that older individuals could participate effectively in the evolving job market.