Question

What impact will these changes in YDR (Youth Dependency Ratio) and EDR (Elderly Dependency Ratio) have on the health system?

Answer 1

Consideration of dependency ratio is essential for government, economists, bankers, business, industry, universities, and all other major economic sectors which can benifit from understanding the impacts of chamges in population structure. A low dependency ratio means that there are sufficient people working who can support the dependent population. A lower ratio could allow for better pensions and better health care for citizens. A higher ratio indicates more financial stress on working people.

The total dependency ratio can be decomposed into the child/young dependency ratio (YDR) and the aged/elderly dependency ratio (EDR).

High dependency ratios may have the following consequences on health systems:-

1. Increases cost of government-supported care.